Severe snoring during sleep, pause of breathing over 10 seconds is called sleep apnea. Sleep apnea, which affects the daily life of every 4 in 100 people is a disease that reduces sleep quality.

Sleep apnea is divided into 3 subheadings:

Obstructive sleep apnea: It is the most common type of sleep apnea. It occurs when air flows to the lung stops due to a blockage in the nose and throat.

Central sleep apnea: Rarely seen. It may occur due to some medications, surgeries or chronic respiratory disorders.

Mixed sleep apnea: It is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.

Symptoms and causes of sleep apnea

Even if sleep apneas are examined under different headings, their symptoms are similar. Snoring, sweating, dry mouth, pause of breathing during sleep, headache in the morning are some of these symptoms.

Obstructive sleep apnea can be caused by excessive weight, neck circumference of more than 43 centimeters in men, alcohol and cigarette smoking, sleeping pill usage or having narrow airways.

Central sleep apnea can be caused by factors such as brain tumor, viral brain infection, chronic respiratory disorders, heart disease and cerebral palsy. The type of sleep apnea is determined by doing the necessary examinations and tests.

Sleep Apnea Treatment

The treatment of sleep apnea varies according to the condition caused by it. In the case of obesity, obesity surgery or non-surgical weight loss methods are applied. In progressive sleep apnea, Continious Positive Airway Pressure called CPAP is applied. Surgical treatment may be required if there is severe stenosis in the upper respiratory tract.

Surgical treatments also vary according to the patient’s condition. Tissue removal at the top of the throat, jaw repositioning, implants, and creating a new airway are some of the surgical options for sleep apnea. These operations can be performed robotically, openly or endoscopically.