As sleep disorders go, sleep apnea should be considered one of the most serious ones. This condition involves the blocking of the throat, which can interrupt breathing. It can be highly disturbing to have to wake from sleep to catch your breath. Of course, when you consider the alternative, not waking and stopping breathing permanently, it doesn’t sound as bad.
However, these interruptions in sleep will greatly reduce the amount and quality of rest a person gets, and over time this will lead to other health concerns. In short, without significant rest, the body eventually breaks down and ceases to function properly.
Treatments for this sleep disorder are designed to keep the airway passages unencumbered; thus preventing the episodes during which breathing stops. One available treatment is surgery, which is generally used after other less invasive methods of care have proven ineffective.
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of excess tissue from the pharynx. This is one of the most common surgeries for this condition.
Another option, also a surgical procedure, is Uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP). This surgery also entails the removal of tissue from the pharynx, but in addition involves the use of a laser to shorten the uvula, which is the soft tissue attached to the roof of the mouth at the entrance of the throat.
A third operation is a tracheotomy. During this procedure a tube is inserted through a hole made below the trachea or windpipe. During sleep the tube is opened to allow air to flow freely and directly into the lungs.
These treatments may seem extreme, but you should take into consideration the long term effects of sleep apnea and also the risk of sudden death with this condition. If you suspect you are affected by this illness seek medical help immediately. It is treatable.
