Apnea del sueño

personas con apnea obstructiva del sueño (PARTE) have disrupted sleep and low blood oxygen levels. When obstructive sleep apnea occurs, the tongue is sucked against the back of the throat. This blocks the upper airway and airflow stops. When the oxygen level in the brain becomes low enough, the sleeper partially awakens, the obstruction in the throat clears, and the flow of air starts again, usually with a loud gasp.

Repeated cycles of decreased oxygenation lead to very serious cardiovascular problems. Además, these individuals suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness, depression, and loss of concentration.

Some patients have obstructions that are less severe called Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS). In either case, the individuals suffer many of the same symptoms.

Tratamiento de la apnea del sueño

El primer paso en tratamiento para la apnea del sueño Reside en el reconocimiento de los síntomas y en la búsqueda de una consulta adecuada.. Los cirujanos orales y maxilofaciales ofrecen opciones de consulta y tratamiento..

In addition to a detailed history, the doctors will assess the anatomic relationships in the maxillofacial region. Con cefalométrico (skull x-ray) analysis, the doctors can ascertain the level of obstruction. Sometimes a naso-pharyngeal exam is done with a flexible fiber-optic camera. To confirm the amount of cardiovascular compromise and decreased oxygenation levels, a sleep study may be recommended to monitor an individual overnight.

Opciones de tratamiento para la apnea del sueño

There are several treatment options available. Un tratamiento inicial puede consistir en el uso de un máquina CPAP nasal que suministra oxígeno presurizado a través de una máscara nasal para limitar la obstrucción durante la noche. One of the surgical options is an uvulo-palato-pharyngo-plasty (UPPP), which is performed in the back of the soft palate and throat. A similar procedure is sometimes done with the assistance of a laser and is called a laser assisted uvulo-palato-plasty (LAUPP). In other cases, a radio-frequency probe is utilized to tighten the soft palate. Estos procedimientos generalmente se realizan bajo sedación intravenosa ligera en el consultorio..

In more complex cases, the bones of the upper and lower jaw may be repositioned to increase the size of the airway (cirugía ortognática). Este procedimiento se realiza en el hospital bajo anestesia general y requiere pasar la noche en el hospital de uno a dos días..

OSA is a very serious condition that needs careful attention and treatment. La mayoría de los principales planes médicos ofrecen cobertura para diagnóstico y tratamiento..