Sleep Apnea & Snoring Disorder Treatment in Dubai

Obstructive sleep apnea (O.S.A.) is a common sleep-related disorder characterized by involuntary pauses in breathing during sleep. These episodes occur due to recurrent blockages in the airway. The breathing pauses can last for a few seconds to several minutes and happen multiple times within an hour. Sometimes, breathing resumes normally, while in other instances, it may restart with a choking sound or loud snoring. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that indicates insufficient oxygen supply to the body and brain.

Risk Factors:

Obesity, abnormalities in the shape of the throat or neck, allergies, nasal congestion, and enlarged tonsils are among the factors contributing to this disorder. Advancing age in men and menopause in women also increases the risk. Certain lifestyle habits such as alcohol consumption, smoking, or using tranquilizers can also contribute to obstructive sleep apnea.

Symptoms:

Loud or heavy snoring is the primary indicator of this disorder, often observed by the patient’s partner. Other symptoms include daytime sleepiness, insomnia, impaired ventilation during sleep, morning headaches, dry mouth, fatigue upon awakening, cognitive impairment, and forgetfulness. Sleep apnea can also lead to high blood pressure, weight gain, depression, and high blood sugar.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea involves a physical examination, evaluation of family history and assessment of symptoms. A multidisciplinary approach, which includes various dental professionals, is employed for accurate diagnosis:

• Specialist sleep doctor (e.g., Pneumologist)
• E.N.T. specialist
• Oral surgeon or maxillofacial surgeon

Treatment Options:

Diet Control:

Obesity is a significant factor in exacerbating sleep apnea. Lifestyle changes and a tailored diet can help manage the severity of the syndrome. Patients are advised to avoid alcohol consumption, smoking, and sedative medications to improve the effectiveness of treatment.

CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) Ventilator Mask:

This treatment involves wearing a mask connected to a CPAP machine via a tube. The machine delivers pressurized air into the patient’s lungs while they sleep, effectively maintaining open airways. Although CPAP therapy is highly effective, some patients find it challenging to tolerate the mask throughout the night, leading to discontinuation after a couple of years.

Mandibular Advancement Orthosis (M.A.O.):

This device is a mouthpiece worn between the lower jaw teeth during sleep. It helps pull the jaw forward, creating more space in the air passages for easier breathing. M.A.O.s are effective for mild to moderate cases, and patients generally have good tolerance. However, around 40% of patients may not experience optimal results with this treatment.

Maxillomandibular Advancement Surgery:

Surgery has proven to be highly effective in over 90% of cases. The surgical procedure aims to widen the airway passages by repositioning the jaws or removing/stiffening excess throat tissues. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia to minimize discomfort. Hospitalization for 1 to 3 days is typically required, and a recovery period of 2 weeks to one month at home is recommended. The incisions are made inside the mouth, resulting in no visible scars on the skin. Titanium plates may be placed to stabilize the new jaw positions, and they can be removed if they cause any irritation, although they are generally well-tolerated.

Consult an expert:

Dome MedDental Clinic boasts two world-renowned oral and maxillofacial surgeons, Dr. Philippe Chanavaz and Pr—Pierre Bouletreau, specializing in maxillomandibular advancement surgery for obstructive sleep apnea. If you suspect your partner or you suffer from O.S.A., consult our expert specialists for an accurate diagnosis and the best possible treatment. Restoring healthy sleep patterns is our priority at Dome MedDental Clinic.