Sleep Apnea & Snoring Disorder Treatment in Dubai
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (O.S.A.) is a prevalent sleep-related disorder in which a person’s breathing stops and starts involuntarily. In other words, the person encounters constant episodes of airway blockage while sleeping. The pause in breathing can be for few seconds to minutes and occurs frequently in an hour. After the pause, sometimes the breathing starts normally, and sometimes it starts with a choking sound or loud snoring. It is a serious disorder indicating that the body and the brain are not getting enough oxygen.
Risk Factors
Several factors contribute to disease that includes obesity, abnormal shape of throat or neck, allergies, nasal congestion, and enlarged tonsils. Besides, advancing age in men and menopause in women makes them vulnerable to developing the disorder. Some lifestyle aspects also lead to obstructive sleep apnea like alcohol, smoking, or using tranquilizers.
Symptoms
Loud or heavy snoring is the primary indicator of this disorder. Mostly, the partner of the patient observes the nocturnal breathing problems. Other symptoms are daytime sleepiness, insomnia, impaired ventilation during sleep, morning headaches, dry mouth, fatigue awakening, altered intellectual abilities, and forgetfulness. High blood pressure, weight gain, depression, and high blood sugar may also be caused by sleep apnea.
Diagnosis
A physical exam, family history, and symptoms are evaluated for the diagnosis of OSA. The multidisciplinary concentration meeting coordinates the medical care of obstructive sleep apnea, and bring various dental professionals together for diagnosis that includes:
- A specialist sleep doctor (e.g. Pneumologist)
- An ENT
- An Oral Surgeon or Maxillofacial Surgeon
Treatment Options
Diet Control: Obesity plays a vital role in aggravating the disease. Therefore, the syndrome’s severity is controlled by changes in lifestyle. A particular diet is prescribed according to patient conditions along with avoiding alcohol consumption, smoking, and sedative medications, so, the treatment can prove to be effective.
CPAP (Continuous Positive Pressure) Ventilator Mask: The mask is attached to the CPAP machine through a tube that blows pressurized air into the patient’s lungs while asleep. This treatment has proven to be very efficient even in severe cases. But it is difficult for the patients to wear that tight mask all night; hence, half of the patients fail to continue using the CPAP machine after two years.
Mandibular Advancement Orthosis (MAO): The gutter mouthpiece is worn between the lower jaw teeth at nighttime that pulls the jaws forward. It creates enough free space in the air passages for easy breathing. This device is effective for mild to moderate cases and the tolerance among patients is good. However, it is observed that MAOs do not show the best results in almost 40% of patients.
Maxillomandibular Advancement Surgery: Treating the cases of OSA through surgery has proved to be effective in more than 90% of cases. The surgical procedure is performed to widen the airway passages by resetting the jaws or removing/stiffening excess throat tissues.
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia to minimize the pain. Hospitalization for 1 to 3 days is required according to the surgical procedure planned for the patient; therefore, it is advised to take a break of 2 weeks to one month for convalescence at home. Despite the surgery, scars are not visible on the skin, as it is performed inside the mouth. And the incisions are sealed with self-absorbable threads.
Titanium plates will be placed once the jaws are repositioned to stabilize the bones of the new jaw positions. The patients can easily tolerate these plates, but they can be removed after six months if they irritate the patient. Otherwise, they can be left in the mouth.
Consult an Expert
The Dome MedDental Clinic prides itself in having two of the world's finest Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons for treating sleep apnea disorder: Dr. Philippe Chanavaz and Pr. Pierre Bouletreau. Both the specialists have years of experience in Maxillomandibular Advancement Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. So, if you think you or your partner is suffering from OSA, speak to our expert specialists for diagnosis and the best possible treatment of the disorder.
FAQ`s
What happens in sleep apnea?
The blockage of air passages during sleep causes obstructive sleep apnea. This occurs as the tongue and throat muscles get relaxed during sleep, closing the airways and making it difficult to breathe.
How can I distinguish that I am suffering from OSA?
It is difficult for an individual to identify the disorder. It is your partner who can determine the symptoms, as the most common sign is snoring, which happens because your breath stops for small periods. Other indicators include morning headache and sleepiness during the day due to disturbed night sleep.
I snore at night. Is it possible that I have this disease?
It is not necessary that if you snore, you have this disease. But if you have the other symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea along with snoring, then it is a matter of concern.
Is the sleep disorder curable?
Yes, obstructive sleep apnea is a treatable sleep disorder. Several therapeutic options are available that prove to be effective from mild to severe cases.
What problems can I face with sleep apnea?
Due to this disease, the patient cannot sleep properly. They usually have restless nights, which results in irritability, anxiety, fatigue, difficultly concentrating, and mood disturbances. Besides, your heavy snoring can also contribute to the sleep deprivation of your partner.
What can I do to solve the sleeping problem naturally?
Changes in lifestyle are one of the effective ways to treat the sleep problem naturally. Regular exercise, changes in diet plans, a sleep routine, and limiting alcohol are a few of the techniques that will help you sleep better and peacefully.