Sleep Apnea

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a severe type of sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. It is commonly associated with obesity, as excess fat around the neck and airway can obstruct normal breathing. It can lead to serious health problems, consisting of heart disease, diabetes, and daytime fatigue.

Causes and Risk Factors

Obesity is one of the leading risk factors for sleep apnea, but other contributing factors include:

1. Excess weight, especially around the neck, which narrows the airway.
2. Enlarged tonsils, or adenoids, can block airflow.
3. Genetics, as a family history of sleep apnea, increases risk.
4. Smoking and alcohol consumption relax the throat muscles and worsen obstruction.
5. Age and gender, with men and older adults being more prone to the condition.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea symptoms often go unnoticed by the person affected. Common signs include:

• Loud snoring and gasping for breathe during sleep.
• Excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue.
• Morning headaches and dry mouth.
• Difficulty concentrating and mood changes.
• High blood pressure, and irregular heartbeats.

Why Choose Aster Hospitals for Sleep Apnea Care?

 Aster Hospitals provide specialized and comprehensive care for sleep apnea, particularly for patients with obesity-related cases. Our team of general surgeons, pulmonologists, and sleep specialists who effectively work together to diagnose and treat sleep apnea effectively. We offer advanced diagnostic tests, including sleep studies (polysomnography) and home sleep apnea tests, to assess the severity of the condition. 

 Our customized treatment plans combine weight management strategies, CPAP therapy, and lifestyle modifications to ensure effective symptom control. For severe cases where non-surgical treatments are ineffective, we provide surgical interventions such as bariatric surgery or airway surgery to improve breathing and overall health. Our ongoing monitoring and support also help patients manage symptoms and enhance their sleep quality.  

When to see a General Surgeon?

Consult a general surgeon if you:

• Have severe sleep apnea that does not improve with CPAP therapy or weight loss.
• Are obese and considering bariatric surgery to alleviate sleep apnea symptoms.
• Experience complications such as severe airway obstruction or chronic fatigue.
• Surgical intervention for airway modification to enhance breathing.