Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome

Apnoea refers to the momentarily cessation of airflow during sleep lasting at least 10 seconds. It is due to partial or total collapse of all or part of the upper airway leading to either partial or complete loss of airflow. Patients with OSAS usually have loud snoring with episodes of breathing cessation or choking during sleep and may report frequent arousals from sleep.  Common daytime symptoms include awakening with a dry mouth, early morning headaches, poor concentration, excessive daytime sleepiness and mood changes. Due to the loud snoring, sometimes the sleep partners of loud snorers also get sleep deprived and may thus face daytime consequences of sleep deprivation.  Some partners tend to move away from the bedroom and sleep in a different room.

Male sex and advancing age are known risk factors to OSAS.  Modifiable risk factors include excess weight, smoking, alcohol and drug use.

During apnoea the blood oxygen levels drop and this causes a strain to the cardiovascular system and may result to high blood pressure, heart attacks or strokes.  People with OSAS are also at a high risk of developing diabetes, high cholesterol levels and liver problems as well as being at a high risk of developing complications after surgery.

Apart from loss of libido in both male and female partners that is associated with OSAS, sleeping partners of loud snorers also get sleep deprived and may thus face the same consequences.  Some partners tend to move away from the bedroom and sleep in a different room.

The diagnosis of OSAS is made from the symptoms reported by the patient and the sleeping partner. The ENT doctor then examines the patient’s nose, mouth and throat to assess any abnormality that may lead to airway blockage.

To be able to make an objective diagnosis of OSAS or any other sleep disorder the patient will then need to be admitted for an overnight test , also known as a polysomnography at the SDTC.

The first step in the treatment of OSAS is management of the modifiable risk factors. Patients with excess weight must undertake necessary measures to cut their weight. Cessation of alcohol ingestion and cigarette smoking should also be considered in patients with OSAS.

Use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device is the gold standard in the management of OSAS. This acts as a pneumatic stent that prevents the airway from collapsing during inspiration.

Surgery of the collapsing part of the upper airway offers a more permanent solution to patients with moderate to severe OSAS. Our ENT surgeons have been performing surgery to patients with OSAS with very successful results. (get testimonials)