Best Obstructive sleep apnea Doctors in Mysore

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a chronic sleep disorder that occurs when throat muscles intermittently relax and block the airway during sleep, causing breathing to stop and start repeatedly. Common causes include obesity, smoking, alcohol use, and certain medical conditions like hypothyroidism and diabetes. Chronic OSA can lead to negative health outcomes, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

The historical city of Mysore is not spared from the grip of OSA disorder. It mirrors the national trend in India, with an escalating number of OS cases reported among its residents. Apollo Hospitals Mysore is home to some of the best obstructive sleep apnoea doctors who are well-equipped to diagnose and treat sleep apnoea effectively.

Types/Stages of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Obstructive sleep apnoea doctors often classify sleep apnoea into three categories:

1. Mild OSA: In this stage, there are between 5 to 15 apnea or hypopnea events per hour during sleep.

2. Moderate OSA: This stage involves between 15 to 30 apnea or hypopnea events per hour during sleep.

3. Severe OSA: In severe cases, there are more than 30 apnea or hypopnea events per hour during sleep.

In addition to these stages, OSA can also be classified based on its anatomical site of obstruction and specific characteristics:

• Nasal Obstruction: When the obstruction is primarily due to issues in the nasal passages, such as congestion or structural abnormalities.

• Oropharyngeal Obstruction: Involves obstruction in the area of the throat behind the tongue.

• Hypopharyngeal Obstruction: Refers to obstruction in the lower part of the throat near the base of the tongue.

• Laryngeal Obstruction: Occurs when there is obstruction at the level of the voice box (larynx).

Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Common symptoms associated with obstructive sleep apnoea are:

• Heavy snoring

• Episodes of stopped breathing during sleep

• Abrupt awakenings with gasping or choking

• Morning headache

• Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia)

Tests to Diagnose Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Sleep apnoea specialists use several tests for diagnosing sleep apnoea:

• Polysomnography: A sleep study conducted overnight that records brain activity, eye movements, heart rate and blood pressure.

• Home Sleep Tests: These simplified tests measure heart rate, blood oxygen level, airflow and breathing patterns.

• Nocturnal Pulse Oximetry: This test measures the oxygen in your blood to identify if it drops during periods of sleep.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea at Apollo Hospitals Mysore

There are several treatment options available at Apollo Hospitals Mysore:

• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy: This is the most common method in which a machine delivers air pressure through a mask placed over the nose while the patient sleeps.

• Oral Appliances: Specially designed dental devices that help keep the throat open, improving symptoms of mild to moderate sleep apnoea.

• Surgery: If other treatments are ineffective, surgery might be an option. Surgical options include tissue removal, jaw repositioning, implants, nerve stimulation, or creating a new air passage.

• Inspire Therapy: This is a relatively newer treatment option that involves implanting a device under the skin of the neck and chest that stimulates the hypoglossal nerve during sleep.