Obstructive sleep apnoea can be found in one in three Singaporeans. The sleep disorder manifests as daytime tiredness, snoring, and a sense of breathlessness when asleep. Leaving this health problem untreated is a significant risk you incur for your overall wellness. It disturbs the air circulation in your blood, increasing the chances of strokes, heart attacks, high BP, diabetes, etc. When you meet an ENT, they check your medical history and recommend some sleep tests and others to determine the severity. They usually advise people to use a CPAP machine that helps balance air pressure by limiting potential obstructions. Moderate or severe cases can respond well to this therapy.
It demands some initial adjustment with the machine. Still, about half of the OSA patients find it challenging to use CPAP daily. Eligible candidates can opt for surgery based on their sinus surgeon’s recommendation. A typical surgical option includes soft tissue excision or removal close to the throat wall. You can think of tonsils, too. Some may need jaw repositioning to benefit from the surgery. Check https://drkhliment.com.sg/sleep-apnea-singapore-treatment-surgery for knowledge.
The need for surgery for sleep apnoea
Treating sleep apnoea is crucial to protect yourself from the risks of developing depression, heart attack, stroke, high BP, irregular heartbeat, etc. You can try CPAP and some lifestyle changes, but surgery can be the ultimate option when nothing works. Snoring and sleep apnoea episodes can be significantly reduced. However, some may continue to use CPAP depending on their health requirement.
Benefits of sleep apnoea surgery
Nearly one billion of the population suffers from OSA worldwide. These are diagnosed cases. Only half of these patients show tolerance for CPAP. As much as 30% of individuals with OSA get only light sleep, which can break even at the slightest disturbance. Some can face other problems due to narrow airway passage. As hinted earlier, poor sleep and blood circulation can lead to adverse health consequences and comorbidities. These can reduce one’s life expectancy to a great extent without proper treatment. If you undergo surgery, your sleep disturbances will be reduced. Consequently, you can feel energetic during the day. You will snore less, and your overall health will also feel better.
Leaving OSA untreated increases your risk of stroke, cardiovascular disorder, sleep loss, anxiety, depression, and other problems. That means surgery can protect you from these unwanted health developments. At the same time, you can encounter fewer throat obstructions during sleep than those who only rely on medicines and therapies. Overall, the results can be satisfactory. You can enjoy a quality life afterwards.
Sleep apnoea surgery risks
Like any other surgery, there will be risks, including bleeding, infection, difficulty swallowing, etc. But most of them are temporary and resolve with time. Very rarely anyone faces any major problem. Such possibilities are almost zero when you consult an expert sinus surgeon. So, find the right ENT specialist with deep sinus surgery knowledge in your city for assistance.
Sleep problems don’t remain contained within themselves. They spread to other systems and functions of your body and brain. That’s why getting the proper medical advice is necessary. Only your specialist can ascertain whether you need therapy, surgery, or both after diagnosis. So, please trust them!
