While snoring is a social problem, OSA is a serious medical problem that is important to diagnose and treat appropriately.  Patients with OSA typically demonstrate loud snoring and frequent periods of apnea (temporary cessation of breathing) throughout the night.  The underlying problem is periodic collapse of the soft tissues of the upper airway during deep sleep.  The patient thus experiences repeated drops in blood oxygen saturation which result in partial and or complete arousal from deep sleep.  This results in daytime fatigue and somnolence as well as difficulty concentrating.  More Importantly, if left untreated for many years, OSA may cause serious cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure, enlargement of the heart muscle and occasionally cardiac arrest.

The initial screening test for sleep apnea is the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (see below).  Patients with a high score are referred to a sleep lab where an overnight sleep study is performed to effectively screen for OSA.

Treatment of OSA includes weight loss (if the patient is obese) and use of a CPAP machine.  This is a device that fits over the nose and mouth and which blows a constant stream of air under pressure to help stent the airway open and prevent airway collapse during sleep.  Not all patients are able to tolerate the CPAP machine and therefore we are able to provide you with a loaner machine for a 2-week trial period before you obtain one through your health insurance company.

Several surgical procedures are available to treat OSA.  Septoplasty and turbinate reduction can improve the nasal airway if airflow though the nose is compromised.  Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty can enlarge the airway in the throat by removing excess tissue of the palate if it is the cause of obstruction.  Tongue base procedures can help reduce or reposition the tongue base if it is large enough to obstruct airflow.

The surgical procedures listed above are usually staged at several week intervals to allow for patient recovery and to monitor the patient for residual symptoms.