During normal breathing, air passes through the throat on its way to
the lungs. The air travels past the soft palate, uvula, tonsils, and
tongue. When a person is awake, the muscles in the back of the throat
tighten to hold these structures in place preventing them from
collapsing into the airway. During sleep, these structures can fall
into the airway causing snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is characterized by loud snroing and distrubed or
interruped sleep patterns. Sleep apnea can have serious consequences
including cardiac problems. Frequently patients will awaken in the
morning with a headache. If they become sleep deprived they may feel
sleeppy all day, and may fall asleep while driving in the car.
Sleep apnea is diagnosed by a sleep study. During a sleep study, the
patient’s breathing patterns, heart rhythim and brain waves are
monitored.
If it is found that sleep apnea is present, most doctors recommend
the use of CPAP. CPAP is a breathing device worn during sleep to help
keep the airway open. In some situations surgery is recommended. The
uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with or without tonsillectomy are surgical
procedurs designed to open the airway. In rare situations, a
tracheostomy is necessary. These are procedures designed to circumvent
this sleep related collapse of these structures.
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