Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, it can lead to a range of health issues if left untreated. At Greater Knoxville ENT, we understand the importance of diagnosing and treating sleep apnea to improve your overall health and quality of life. This blog post will help you understand the risks associated with sleep apnea and the treatment options we offer, including Inspire Sleep Apnea Innovation, Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP), Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), and Pillar Implants.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes blocked or collapses during sleep, causing breathing to stop and start repeatedly. There are two main types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common form, caused by the relaxation of throat muscles.
- Central Sleep Apnea: Occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
Common symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, frequent awakenings, daytime fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea
If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to a variety of health complications, including:
- High Blood Pressure: Frequent pauses in breathing can cause a drop in oxygen levels, triggering the release of stress hormones that raise blood pressure.
- Heart Problems: Sleep apnea increases the risk of heart attacks, atrial fibrillation, and other cardiovascular issues.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Sleep apnea is linked to insulin resistance and glucose intolerance.
- Liver Issues: People with sleep apnea are more likely to have abnormal results on liver function tests and show signs of liver scarring.
- Daytime Fatigue: Interrupted sleep can lead to severe daytime drowsiness, increasing the risk of accidents and impairing cognitive function.
Treatment Options at Greater Knoxville ENT
At Greater Knoxville ENT, we offer a range of effective treatment options to manage sleep apnea and improve your quality of life.
Inspire Sleep Apnea Innovation
Inspire is a breakthrough treatment for those who cannot tolerate CPAP. This small device is implanted in the body and works with your natural breathing process. It monitors your breathing patterns and delivers mild stimulation to keep your airway open during sleep. Inspire is a convenient and effective solution for managing sleep apnea.
Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP)
BiPAP is a type of non-invasive ventilation therapy that provides two levels of pressure: higher pressure during inhalation and lower pressure during exhalation. This makes breathing more comfortable for patients with severe sleep apnea or those who have difficulty exhaling against higher pressure.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
CPAP is the most common and effective treatment for sleep apnea. It involves wearing a mask that delivers a continuous stream of air, keeping the airway open during sleep. CPAP machines have advanced over the years to become quieter and more comfortable, improving patient compliance and effectiveness.
Pillar Implants
Pillar implants are a minimally invasive treatment option for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. The procedure involves inserting small, polyester rods into the soft palate, which stiffens it and reduces airway collapse. This simple procedure can be performed in the office and has shown to be effective in reducing sleep apnea symptoms.
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can have significant impacts on your health and well-being. At Greater Knoxville ENT, we are committed to providing comprehensive and effective treatment options to help you manage sleep apnea and improve your quality of life. Whether you need Inspire Sleep Apnea Innovation, BiPAP, CPAP, or Pillar Implants, our experienced team is here to guide you through the process and ensure you receive the best possible care.
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation. Together, we can find the right treatment plan to help you breathe easier and sleep better.