Which Sleep Apnea Treatment Works Best? ENT Doctor Discusses Surgery and More

Sleep is a necessary part of life, a process that recharges your body and mind regularly. However, waking up groggy and tired and struggling to focus for long periods are not good signs. If people find you snoring loudly, along with these conditions, it may be time for a proper medical checkup. You may have developed a condition called sleep apnea.

In Singapore, several people are waking up to the reality of the sleeping issue affecting normal life. Poor sleep is not only fatigue or stress-induced, as you may have thought. If you experience these symptoms while sleeping and after waking up, go for a proper medical checkup. You will need to visit a qualified ENT doctor in Singapore. Only such doctors will be able to diagnose your condition well and come up with the most suitable treatment plan. 

 A close look at sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition that affects your normal breathing pattern when you sleep. It disrupts the breathing cycle in sleep. The commonest variant is called Obstructive Sleep Apnea. In it, the muscles located at the back of the throat become way too relaxed. This may lead to the airway narrowing or being temporarily closed. 

The most common symptoms of this condition are:

• Daytime sleepiness or fatigue.
• A headache after waking up in the morning.
• Choking or gasping for air during nighttime.
• Persistent and loud snoring.
• A loss of memory and concentration.

In Singapore, OSA is quite common. You should not overlook it, thinking of it as a mere sleeping issue. In the long run, overlooked sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, etc.

Are you thinking of how to find a suitable ENT clinic or specialist to diagnose the condition? For a better idea of suitable ENT specialists, you can check out https://drkhliment.com.sg/sleep-apnea-singapore-treatment-surgery/.

How does an ENT doctor approach the cases of sleep apnea?

ENT specialists look into structural issues in the airway to determine the root cause of the issue. However, you will also come across sleep physicians and pulmonologists treating this condition, in some instances. 

An ENT doctor will do the following:

• Analyze your medical and sleep history in detail.
• Check your nose, throat, and airway using proper techniques and equipment.
• Will perform a sleep study on you to check the breathing pattern.
• Come up with the most suitable treatment plan.

The treatment choices available

People with mild to moderate OSA may benefit from non-surgical options. These include: continuous positive airway pressure therapy, which is non-invasive, and oral appliances like a mandibular advancement device. The doctor may also suggest some lifestyle changes, like avoiding alcohol and losing weight, etc.

Surgery is recommended when non-surgical treatments do not work. An ENT doctor will suggest surgery after a thorough assessment of your Jaw structure, nasal passage, and tonsils. These include- UPPP, a nasal surgery, or a tongue base reduction. 

Conclusion

There is no single best treatment for sleep apnea. The doctor will check your health conditions thoroughly to determine the most effective approach. Following the lifestyle change suggestions and post-surgery care guidelines will bring you the best results.