There are various types of sleep apnea, each with its own distinct characteristics:
We all know the joy of waking up well-rested, ready to conquer the day. However, for some, this seemingly simple pleasure remains challenging due to a condition called sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a potentially serious condition characterized by recurring pauses in breathing during sleep. If you find yourself snoring loudly and feeling persistently fatigued despite a seemingly full night’s sleep, you may have sleep apnea.
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the most prevalent form, occurring when the upper airway becomes partially or entirely obstructed during sleep.
• Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Here, the brain fails to send appropriate signals to the muscles that manage breathing.
• Mixed Sleep Apnea: This type combines elements of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnea. In normal breathing, air effortlessly flows through the nose and throat into the lungs. During wakefulness, the throat muscles maintain an open airway. In all of us, these muscles relax during sleep. Sleep apnea occurs when this natural relaxation combines with structural abnormalities of the upper airway to result in a blockage of airflow, causing a decline in oxygen levels throughout the body. People with OSA experience countless such interruptions throughout the night. This can cause significant strain on the heart and lungs, potentially leading to chronic conditions such as atrial fibrillation, and almost always reduces the efficiency with which sleep produces a rested state the following day.
Fortunately, there are ways to manage OSA.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Weight management, reduced alcohol intake, and cessation of smoking can assist in managing sleep apnea.
• CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure): A pressurized mask worn over the nose or nose and mouth during sleep maintains an open airway throughout the night.
• Oral Appliance Therapy: A specially designed mouthguard is worn at night, displacing the lower jaw and tongue forwards.
When more conservative approaches are ineffective or are not tolerated, surgical options should be considered. This includes conventional sleep surgeries such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) as well as newer surgical interventions involving nerve stimulation.
At Florida ENT & Allergy, an FDA-approved solution known as Inspire® Upper Airway Stimulation (UAS) is offered. This implantable treatment is designed for individuals with moderate-to-severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) who struggle with or do not consistently benefit from Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). Dr. Pierre Musy, an Inspire Physician of Excellence at Florida E.N.T. & Allergy, will assess your overall health and conduct a thorough airway examination to determine if Inspire® therapy is a suitable alternative to CPAP for your condition.
The process of determining the most suitable treatment option for people with OSA always involves a sleep study, which determines the type and severity of sleep apnea. For most patients, this can be done at home with a Home Sleep Test. This involves wearing a small recording device over one or two nights. The results are then evaluated by a Board-Certified Sleep Specialist. Another important part of the process is a drug-induced sleep endoscopy, which involves observing the structures of the throat, including specific areas of airway obstruction, during sleep. This is conducted by our doctors in an operating room setting with intravenous sedation and usually takes no more than five minutes.
Understanding and addressing sleep apnea is crucial for overall well-being and exploring the available treatments with proper medical guidance can significantly improve quality of life. If you have concerns about sleep apnea or any ear, nose, throat, or allergy issues, take the first step towards better health by visiting www.floridaentandallergy.com or calling (813) 879-8045 to schedule an appointment with our experienced, board-certified physicians. Your journey to restful nights and improved health starts here.
About Florida E.N.T. & Allergy
The physicians of Florida E.N.T. & Allergy have served the Tampa Bay community for over 45 years. Our board-certified physicians and doctors of audiology have completed extensive education and clinical training as well as specialized training in their area(s) of expertise. From pediatric allergies to fitting hearing aids, our caring and experienced providers specialize in ear, nose and throat care for the entire family using comprehensive, cutting-edge technologies.