Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when breathing stops briefly and regularly during periods of sleep resulting in a poor, interrupted sleep pattern. The cessation of breathing usually occurs because of a blockage (obstruction) in the airway.
Sometimes, the inability to circulate air and oxygen in and out of the lungs results in lowered blood oxygen levels. If this pattern continues, the lungs and heart may suffer permanent damage.
The most common symptoms of sleep apnea are:
Consult a Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) otolaryngologist for an evaluation of noisy breathing during sleep or snoring, or if periods of not breathing become noticeable or problematic. In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for obstructive sleep apnea may include:
Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Consult a BWH otolaryngologist for more information.
Learn more about obstructive sleep apnea.
Treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is based on the age and condition of the patient as well as the cause. Non-surgical treatments are always tried first.
Wearing a continuous positive airway pressure mask (CPAP) while sleeping can help to keep the airway open. Weight loss is also helpful to counter obstructive sleep apnea.
An uvulopalatopharyngoplasty to correct sleep apnea removes or shrinks excess tissue where the mouth meets the throat. The decision to perform this surgery is based on the anatomy of the back of the throat and is not recommended for every patient.
Learn more about surgical treatment of sleep apnea.
In children, enlarged tonsils and adenoids are the most common cause. In this case treatment is surgery and removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) and/or adenoids (adenoidectomy).
You will receive a thorough diagnostic examination to evaluate if you have obstructive sleep apnea and determine what course of treatment is needed. Careful monitoring and the involvement of an experienced otolaryngologist are important to the successful outcome for patients with ear, nose and throat disorders and conditions.
If you are having surgery or a procedure, you will likely be scheduled for a visit to the Weiner Center for Preoperative Evaluation for pre-operative information and tests.
The day of surgery, you will be taken care of in the operating room by otolaryngologist, anesthesiologists and nurses who specialize in surgery for patients with obstructive sleep apnea. After surgery, you will go to the post-surgical care unit where you will receive comprehensive care by experienced surgical and nursing staff.
Learn more about your hospital stay, patient-centered care and returning home.
Brigham and Women’s Hospital provides a multidisciplinary approach to patient care by collaborating with colleagues who have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating ear, nose and throat disorders and conditions. In addition, patients have full access to BWH’s world-renowned academic medical community, with its diverse specialists, and state-of-the-art facilities.
Learn more about sleep apnea in our health library.
Take the sleep apnea quiz.
Learn more about sleep apnea research and treatment.
Visit the Kessler Health Education Library in the Bretholtz Center to access computers and knowledgeable staff.
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