Sleep apnea

DR MANOJ K GOEL

Comprehensive healthcare services for respiratory and sleep medicine

Understanding Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. These interruptions in breathing can occur multiple times throughout the night, often leading to disrupted sleep and reduced oxygen levels in the blood. The two primary types of sleep apnea are obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), caused by the relaxation of throat muscles blocking the airway, and central sleep apnea (CSA), where the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Symptoms include loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and morning headaches. Left untreated, sleep apnea can contribute to serious health issues such as hypertension, heart disease, and stroke.
Management of Sleep Apnea
Managing sleep apnea typically involves a multidisciplinary approach led by respiratory and sleep medicine experts. Diagnosis begins with a thorough evaluation of symptoms, medical history, and often a sleep study (polysomnography) to monitor breathing patterns during sleep. Treatment options vary based on the type and severity of sleep apnea but may include lifestyle changes such as weight loss and positional therapy to avoid sleeping on the back. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is a common treatment where a machine delivers a steady flow of air through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep. For those who cannot tolerate CPAP, oral appliances that reposition the jaw or surgical interventions to correct anatomical issues may be recommended.
Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea
In addition to CPAP therapy and oral appliances, other treatment modalities for sleep apnea include bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machines that adjust air pressure during inhalation and exhalation, and adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) devices for central sleep apnea. Lifestyle modifications such as avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bed, quitting smoking, and maintaining a regular sleep schedule can also help manage symptoms. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove excess tissue blocking the airway or to correct structural abnormalities in the throat or nasal passages. Regular follow-up with sleep specialists is crucial to monitor treatment effectiveness, adjust therapy as needed, and improve overall sleep quality and health.

Types of Sleep Apnea

Understanding Variants of Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Airway blockage during sleep
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Brain fails to send breathing signals
Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome (CompSAS): Combination of OSA and CSA

Recognizing Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Key Indicators of Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Loud and chronic snoring during sleep
Pauses in breathing or gasping episodes
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
Morning headaches
Irritability and mood changes
Nighttime awakenings with choking or gasping
Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
Decreased libido or sexual dysfunction

Treatment of Sleep Apnea

Approaches to Managing Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): Uses air pressure to keep airways open
Oral Appliances: Realigns jaw to prevent airway obstruction
Lifestyle Changes: Weight loss, avoiding alcohol and smoking cessation
Positional Therapy: Encourages sleeping on the side
Surgery: Corrects anatomical issues obstructing airway
BiPAP Therapy: Provides varying air pressures for inhalation and exhalation
Adaptive Servo-Ventilation (ASV): Adjusts pressure to normalize breathing patterns
Nasal Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure (EPAP): Uses small valves to prevent airway collapse
Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation: Stimulates tongue muscles to keep airway open

CPAP Therapy: Enhancing Respiratory Health

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure for Effective Breathing Support

Maintains consistent airway pressure to improve breathing
Treats sleep apnea and supports respiratory function
Reduces daytime sleepiness and enhances sleep quality
Customized settings for individual patient comfort and needs

Why People Choose Us?

Trust Dr. Manoj Kumar Goel for Advanced Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine Expertise

Expert Training: Advanced Pulmonology diplomas from France, Belgium, Australia
Leadership Role: Principal Director at Fortis Gurgaon Pulmonology Unit
Proven Expertise: 25 publications in national and international journals
Innovative Pioneer: Introduced noninvasive ventilation and sleep medicine in India
Renowned Speaker: Prominent speaker and course director at national conferences