A multitude of options for treating sleep APNEA
OSA, obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome. That is, when there is no flow through the airway for at least 10 seconds.
In other words, a problem that is no longer a simple annoying and rhythmic snoring but has become a public health problem suffered by 24 percent of men and 9 percent of women .
We have tried to find out the cause of this ailment and the risk factors that can lead to sleep apnoea-hypopnoea (SAHS):
- Obesity located in the neck and abdomen, and a body mass index above 30.
- People over 65 years of age
- Menopause
- Having a wide and short neck
- Craniofacial and otorhinolaryngological disorders
- Family history
- Tobacco and alcohol consumption
How to diagnose it?
First of all, it is very important to know the medical history of each patient in order to determine which sleep test should be carried out for a precise and accurate diagnosis thanks to a polysomnography .
In addition, there are studies such as respiratory polygraphy, which records nasal pressure as a substitute for respiratory flow, respiratory movements of the thorax and abdomen, oximetry and heart rate.
There are some shortcomings in polygraphy: we will not know how the patient sleeps, what is the quality of their sleep and whether or not they have micro-awakenings. In addition to this test, we can find an even simpler test: equipment with one or two recording channels that only record respiratory flow and oximetry.
Therapy of choice
Continuous positive airway pressure therapy is usually the best choice for moderate to mild SAHS and also in severe cases.
Between 20-40% of patients drop out of treatment because of uncomfortable sleep, claustrophobia, noise disturbance, nasal inflammation and dryness of the pharynx, conjunctivitis or drowsiness.
Therefore, there are other treatments for less severe patients such as intraoral devices; various surgical techniques (including bariatric surgery); hypoglossal nerve stimulation during sleep; use of positive expiratory pressure valves in the upper airway; treatment of nocturnal pharyngeal oedema with diuretics and elastic bands on the lower limbs during wakefulness; and oropharyngeal muscle training associated with general physical training.
Intraoral devices
At Clinicas Udemax we have the best intraoral devices to prevent snoring. We offer our patients the Snore Guard Pro, the latest technology in anti-snoring devices. Come and consult us!
Is there a connection with other pathologies?
Yes, it is the main cause of arterial hypertension (AHT), it may also be linked to cardio-cerebrovascular disease and we will also be prone to alterations in white adipose tissue, it aggravates the metabolic dysfunction of obesity by increasing insulin resistance, impairs glucose-stimulated pancreatic insulin secretion and leads to pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
As you can see, there are a multitude of treatments that can make your life easier when it comes to sleep. But as always, remember, the best thing to do is to consult your doctor and get all the relevant tests done.
