What is sleep apnoea from an ENT perspective?

23 May

Snoring is a common phenomenon that affects millions of people worldwide, often disrupting their sleep and that of their partners. 10% of children snore, and the figures increase with age, affecting approximately 60% of men, and 40% of women. When snoring does not disturb the pattern of breathing or the quality of sleep, it is called primary snoring.

This is not harmful to the snorer, however it can still impact the quality of sleep of those around them. When a person snores very heavily this can interfere with their oxygen intake and affect their quality of sleep. This is known as obstructive snoring. In this post, I will explore the causes and potential treatments for snoring and sleep apnoea to help improve your quality of sleep, and thereby your quality of life!

What is snoring?

Snoring occurs when the flow of air through the mouth and nose is partially obstructed during sleep. This can be caused by several factors, including:

Obesity: Excess weight can lead to the accumulation of fatty tissue around the neck, which may narrow the airway during sleep.
Anatomy: Structural abnormalities such as a deviated septum or enlarged tonsils can obstruct airflow and cause snoring.
Alcohol and Sedatives: Consuming alcohol or sedatives before bedtime can relax the muscles in the throat, increasing the likelihood of snoring.
Sleep Position: Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue and soft tissues of the throat to collapse backward, obstructing airflow and causing snoring.

While snoring itself may not cause significant health problems, it can be a symptom of underlying issues such as sleep apnoea. Common symptoms associated with snoring and a possible sleep apnoea include:

Excessive daytime sleepiness
Morning headaches
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability
Gasping or choking during sleep

What is Sleep Apnoea from an ENT perspective?

Sleep apnoea is a potentially serious sleep disorder characterised by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions, known as apnoeas, can last for several seconds or even minutes and may occur multiple times throughout the night. Obstructive Sleep apnoea (OSA) is the most common form of sleep apnoea and occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively, causing the airway to become blocked. OSA may cause serious adverse health problems such as hypertension, cardiovascular disorders, daytime fatigue, and a tendency to fall asleep resulting in an increased risk of accidents. Several factors can contribute to the development of sleep apnoea, including:

Obesity
Narrow airways
Family history of sleep apnoea
Smoking
Alcohol consumption
Use of sedatives

Symptoms of Sleep Apnoea

The symptoms of sleep apnoea can vary depending on the severity of the condition, but may include:

Loud snoring

Pauses in breathing during sleep
Gasping or choking sensations
Restless sleep
Morning headaches
Daytime fatigue and sleepiness
Problems to concentrate

Diagnosing Sleep Apnoea

Diagnosing snoring and sleep apnoea typically involves a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a healthcare professional. I am a leading Rhinologist, ENT, and Facial Plastic Surgeon specialising in sleep conditions including snoring and sleep apnoea. I offer personalised consultations to diagnose and treat a range of sleep conditions. The process of diagnosing sleep apnoea can include several stages such as:

A review of your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors that may contribute to sleep disturbances.
A physical examination may be performed to assess your airway and rule out any underlying anatomical abnormalities.
A sleep study, also known as polysomnography, may be recommended to monitor your sleep patterns, breathing, and other physiological functions during sleep.

Visit my snoring and sleep apnoea page to find out more about how I can help you.

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Treatment Options for Sleep Apnoea from an ENT

Following your consultations and diagnosis, your doctor will outline an appropriate treatment plan for your condition. This will depend on the underlying cause and severity of the sleep apnoea. Treatment options may include:

Lifestyle Modifications: Making lifestyle changes such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime, and sleeping on your side can help reduce snoring and alleviate symptoms of sleep apnoea.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): CPAP therapy involves wearing a mask connected to a machine that delivers a continuous flow of air to keep the airway open during sleep.
Oral Appliances: Oral appliances are custom-made devices that help reposition the jaw and tongue to prevent airway obstruction during sleep.
Surgery: In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct structural abnormalities in the airway and improve breathing during sleep.

A multidisciplinary approach is necessary to diagnose a sleeping disorder. I provide consultation to diagnose and treat such conditions. The type of treatment required is unique to each patient. I will schedule customised therapy only after confirming a diagnosis and performing a sleep endoscopy if required (to assess the airway dynamically). I often attend world-leading experts’ facilities in order to constantly keep up to date with the latest management and surgical techniques, and within this field, I have visited Prof. R. Capasso and Prof. S. Liu at the world’s largest and most renowned clinic for sleep medicine, the Stanford Centre for Sleep Sciences and Medicine at the Stanford School of Medicine in California. I am highly experienced and dedicated to helping each of my patients overcome their sleep disorders and improve their quality of life.

If you are suffering from a sleep disorder such as snoring and sleep apnoea, contact us to learn more about the services on offer and book a consultation. These conditions are treatable, and with the right support you can greatly improve your quality of sleep, and thereby your general wellbeing.