More than 18 million adults in the United States struggle to take in oxygen when they sleep due to obstructive sleep apnea. And an estimated 2-20% of children are also affected by this condition. Obstructive sleep apnea can do far more than just leave you fatigued. It can also lead to serious health conditions, such as high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes.
At Houston Sinus Surgery, Cecil Yeung, MD, and our team offer a wide range of ear, nose, sinus, and throat services that are designed to help patients in the Houston area breathe more easily and comfortably. With more than 4,000 sinus surgeries under his belt, Dr. Yeung understands the many conditions that can hamper your ability to breathe. And more importantly, he knows how to resolve them. When it comes to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), we offer conservative and surgical remedies that can help you, and your bedmate, get a good night’s sleep.
Here’s a look at how we can help you overcome sleep apnea.
Obstructive sleep apnea 101
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which the tissues at the back of your throat collapse while you sleep, causing your brain to wake you when it’s deprived of oxygen. The problem with OSA is that it can occur up to 30 times an hour, which means you’re not getting the sleep you need.
When your brain rouses you, you may not be entirely awake — just enough to clear your airways again — but the impact of this repeated waking can still take its toll. In fact, beyond the snoring, which can also affect those around you, OSA has been associated with:
- Daytime fatigue
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Depression
- Higher risk of heart disease
For the sake of your health, and your sleep, finding a solution for OSA is paramount.
Conservative measures
When it comes to nonsurgical solutions to keep your airways open throughout the night, there are generally two main options: oral appliances and CPAP machines.
Oral appliances
Oral devices are designed to keep your air passageways from being blocked. Depending on the appliance, they can shift your jaw forward, hold your tongue in place, or both.
CPAP machines
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines deliver pressurized air into your mouth through a mouthpiece, which keeps your soft tissues from collapsing.
If you prefer a nonsurgical approach, Dr. Yeung and our team will work with you to find a solution that best fits your lifestyle and comfort level.
A permanent fix for sleep apnea
If Dr. Yeung finds that you may benefit from long-lasting results through surgery, he may recommend several options, depending on which tissues are the most problematic. These options include:
- A septoplasty to correct a deviated septum
- A tonsillectomy to remove overly large tonsils
- An uvulopalatopharyngoplasty to remove excess throat tissue
After we evaluate you and identify what’s causing your sleep apnea, we’ll recommend a surgical solution.
Whether you opt for a conservative or surgical approach to treat your sleep apnea, Dr. Yeung and our team can help you overcome your condition so you can breathe and sleep easier.
For expert treatment of your obstructive sleep apnea, book an appointment online or over the phone with Houston Sinus Surgery today.
