[text on screen]
ENTACC
Ear, Nose and Throat
Associates of Chester County
Hi, I'm Dr. Joseph Smith, the sleep and allergy specialist
at Ear, Nose and Throat Associates of Chester County.
Today, I'd like to talk about obstructive sleep apnea.
People with obstructive sleep apnea, also
known as OSA,
have disrupted sleep and low blood oxygen levels.
When obstructive sleep apnea occurs, the tongue
is sucked against the back of the throat,
and the soft tissues of the throat collapse.
This blocks the upper airway and air flow 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 problems,
such as heart attack and stroke.
Additionally, 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, or UARS.
In either case, the individuals suffer many
of the same symptoms.
The first step in treatment is
an ear, nose and throat consultation.
In addition to a detailed history, the doctor
will assess the anatomy of your face and jaw.
Sometimes an examination is done with a flexible
fiber-optic camera.
A sleep study may be recommended to monitor
an individual overnight.
For some patients, this may be done in the
comfort of your own home.
The main treatment consists of using a nasal
CPAP machine at night
that delivers pressurized oxygen through a nasal mask.
Some patients may wear a jaw repositioning device.
Surgery, such as a septoplasty,
addresses the nasal airway.
The palate can be corrected with palatal implants,
tonsillectomy,
and/or uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, or UPPP.
The lower throat in the area of the base of
the tongue may also be surgically addressed.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a very serious
condition that needs careful attention and treatment.
Most major plans offer coverage
for diagnosis and treatment.
Thank you.
[text on screen]
ENTACC
Ear, Nose and Throat
Associates of Chester County
