Obstructive sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening disorder characterized by patterns of paused breathing during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from just a few seconds to minutes, and may occur throughout the night. If you have sleep apnea, proper treatment is essential to your long-term health.
Who Can Benefit From Sleep Apnea Treatment?
Obstructive sleep apnea can lead to severe cardiovascular problems such as stroke, heart attack or high blood pressure. Many are unaware they have sleep apnea.
Some common signs of sleep apnea include:
- Loud chronic snoring
- Choking or gasping during sleep
- Chronic daytime sleepiness
There are various ways to treat sleep apnea. Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking or losing weight may decrease symptoms. Custom mouthpieces and breathing machines can also reduce symptoms. In more severe cases, surgical treatments may be recommended.
What to Expect During Your Sleep Apnea Surgery
There are many surgical options available to treat obstructive sleep apnea. One of the most popular is called uvulo-palato-pharyngo-plasty (UPPP). UPPP works by surgically removing obstructive tissue from the back of the throat. Laser-assisted uvulo-palato-pharyngo-plasty (LAUP) is a similar to UPPP, but it's less invasive and removes less tissue. In more complex cases, we may recommend other more extensive surgical procedures that correct facial abnormalities or obstructions that cause sleep apnea.
After Surgery
Your recovery will depend on the extent of your procedure and your body's natural healing process. Palatal surgeries like UPPP and LAUP typically require 1-2 weeks of recovery. Most patients experience a very sore throat for several days and will need to consume a soft or liquid diet for up to two weeks.
Understanding the Risks of Treatment
All surgical procedures carry a degree of risk and uncertainty. These risks will be discussed with you in-depth, during the consultation process. Some potential complications include infection, swallowing problems, changes in voice frequency, impaired sense of smell or recurrence of sleep apnea.
If You're Ready to Take the Next Step
If you're seeking a solution for sleep apnea, we encourage you to contact Surgical Arts of Inland Empire. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss details about sleep apnea treatments.
