Apnea syndrome is defined as the loss or significant reduction of oro-nasal airflow during sleep for ≥10 seconds. It can be categorized into central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea. It is usually caused by physiologic factors such as genetics and obesity, as well as pathologic factors such as central nervous system disorders, narrowed airways, and enlarged tonsils and adenoids.
Patients with apnea syndrome can be treated with a combination of general treatment, surgical treatment, and wearing a ventilator.
1. General treatment: i.e. weight control, diet control, change of sleep position, cessation of smoking and alcohol, etc;
2. Surgical treatment: the main purpose is to correct the narrowing of the upper airway and improve ventilation to relieve hypoxia and apnea symptoms. It includes nasal septum correction, nasal polyp removal, turbinectomy, tonsillectomy, palatopharyngoplasty and so on.
3. For patients who cannot tolerate surgery or whose general health condition is poor, they may consider wearing a ventilator.
If you have apnea syndrome, you need to consult the doctor in time and take individualized treatment plan under the doctor’s diagnosis.