Obstructed Sleep Apnea
Obstructed Sleep Apnea
Apnea or Sleep apnoea means “without breath” and is caused by the relaxation of the tongue / soft palate/throat muscles in such a way that the airway to the lungs is blocked. The sleep apnea symptoms are like this- the sleeper is unable to catch a breath for 10 seconds or longer, leading to crucial parts of the body (brain, heart etc.) being without oxygen.
How do I know if I have sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea could affect all of us, including infants, without really noticing it. It’s essential to find professional sleep therapists in Dubai for comprehensive sleep disorder management.
A definite diagnosis can be made only by a proper sleep study. A good night’s sleep is not the same in the hospital as it is at home. Therefore, as a first-line basic screening test we recommend our patients undergo sleep study at home.
Using a sleep monitor, we will look at 11 parameters, including oxygen saturation, heart rate, body position etc., while you are sleeping. The sleep monitor will be delivered to your home, fitted and explained to you.
On the following morning the machine will be collected by courier. The recorded data will be uploaded to our system and analysed by our team. As a sleep apnea treatment in Dubai
Dr. Levente will discuss the findings with you and give you advise about your specialized treatment protocol.
With this easy and simple method, you will know whether you are “just a simple snorer” or a potential victim of your sleep disorder.
You may consult Dr. Levente, an experienced sleep apnea doctor in Dubai, for expert diagnosis and treatment.
Home sleep study protocol
Step 1
Meeting with you in your home at 22:00 hrs
Step 2
Introducing the sleep sensor to you
Step 3
Quick check to see your cardiology signs: ECG, BP
Step 4
Fitting and checking the sensor as well as online testing
Step 5
Start recording after the light is turned off
Step 6
Machine collection and data sending to the Clinic at 07:00 am
On the following day, we will inform you about the result.
We are monitoring the following parameters during your sleep:
- Flow (airflow in your nose)
- Oxygen saturation SpO2 (Pulse Oximeter)
- Pulse Frequency
- ECG Channel
- Heart Frequency
- Blood pressure
- Pulse Wave
- Thorax effort (to check your breathing effort)
- Abdomen effort
- Phase Shift & Obstruction level
- Snoring (built-in microphone)
- Position (magnetic sensor integrated into the device)
Surgical Sleep Apnea Treatment in Dubai
In most cases, altered airflow causes a massive soft tissue vibration which in turn generates noise. The goal of the surgery is to identify and treat the collapsing airway and create a smooth airflow avoiding turbulence.
It may involve surgery on the nasal septum with turbinate, adenoid & tonsillar tissue, a soft palate and enlargement of the tongue base. Most of our operations are minimally invasive, therefore recovery is smooth and quick.
Surgical Treatment
In most cases, the blocked or narrowed airway causes massive soft tissue vibrations, which generate noise.
The goal of the surgery is to identify the narrowest point and create smooth airflow to avoid turbulence.
The most common mechanical obstructive component in our airways:
- Adenoid / Tonsil enlargement
- Small or collapsing nostrils
- Deviated nasal septum
- Enlarged nasal turbinate and/or nasal polypsLarge soft palate or uvula
- Obstruction at the back of the tongue
- Abnormality around the voice box
The location of the obstruction could be identified during your consultation with Dr. Levente.
Outpatient procedures
Somnoplasty is an office procedure which uses low-power and low-temperature radio-frequency energy to increase the stiffness inside the soft palate and/or the nasal turbinate. This is a minimally invasive procedure which is relatively painless. The new shape of the soft palate or the reduced size of the nasal turbinate will increase the airflow and reduce the vibrations. The procedure usually takes less than twenty minutes.
- Minor correction of the middle wall of the nose (Septoplasty)
- Reshaping the soft palate and the uvula
- Management of the collapsing nostril
- In patient procedures
- Adenoidectomy
- Septoplasty
- Turbinate size reduction by shaver
- Palatoplasty
- Tonsillectomy
- Tongue base reduction
- Epiglottis reshaping
Non-surgical: CPAP Procedure
A CPAP machine blows a steady stream of air through a mask to keep your airway open while you sleep, preventing it from collapsing. It’s used when surgery isn’t an option or if you prefer not to have surgery. There are different types of CPAP machines, chosen based on what works best for you.
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterised by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. These interruptions in breathing can lead to fragmented sleep and reduced oxygen levels in the blood, potentially causing various health issues if left untreated.
The root cause of sleep apnea can be attributed to several factors, including excess weight, anatomical abnormalities in the airway, or underlying health conditions like obesity, enlarged tonsils, or nasal congestion. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and sedative use can also contribute to the development of sleep apnea.
Yes, there are tests available to diagnose sleep apnea. One common test is a sleep study, also known as polysomnography, which involves monitoring various bodily functions during sleep, including breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rate, and brain activity.
Another test is a home sleep apnea test (HSAT), which is a simplified version of polysomnography that can be done at home under the guidance of a healthcare professional. These tests help determine the severity of sleep apnea and guide treatment options.
In Dubai, sleep apnea is typically treated through a combination of lifestyle changes, such as weight loss avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime, and medical and surgical interventions.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is a common Non-surgical treatment for sleep apnea, which involves using a machine that delivers a continuous flow of air through a mask worn over the nose or mouth during sleep to keep the airway open. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to address anatomical issues contributing to sleep apnea.
Finding the best sleep apnea doctor in Dubai may vary depending on individual needs and preferences. It’s essential to look for a healthcare professional who specializes in sleep medicine or otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat) and has experience diagnosing and treating sleep disorders like sleep apnea. It’s recommended to research doctors, read patient reviews, and consult with healthcare providers to find the most suitable option for personalised care and treatment.
Dr Levente is one of the top-rated sleep apnea doctors in Dubai, renowned for their expertise and patient care.