Snoring & Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)

What is Snoring & Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)?

Snoring & Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a common condition in both children and adults. Snoring is not usual and should be investigated further. Snoring may simply be a bothersome noise made during sleep but it could also be a sign of OSA.

What are the symptoms of Snoring & Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)?

OSA occurs when airflow is interrupted during sleep due to obstruction at the nose, palate/tonsil or tongue level.  The obstruction results in reduced inhaled oxygen that can cause poor quality sleep, daytime tiredness & irritability, poor concentration, reduced school performance, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

At night patients can be observed to be mouth breathing and having prolonged pauses in their breathing (apnoeas). Children can also be very restless during their sleep and have associated bedwetting.

How do you treat Snoring & Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)?

OSA is diagnosed with a focussed history and examination looking for nasal obstruction, large tonsils, long palate and bulky tongue. Patients often require a camera assessment of their airway (nasendoscopy) and may need a sleep study to determine the severity of the obstruction.

In children, removal of adenoids & tonsils (adenoidectomy & tonsillectomy) is often the most effective way to address the problem.

In adults, a multidisciplinary approach is required. This includes weight loss, CPAP, airway splinting devices and sleep surgery.

What does surgery/treatment involve?

Adult sleep surgery will aim to address the level (or levels) of obstruction. The goal of sleep surgery is to either help facilitate CPAP or, when CPAP is not tolerated, offer a permanent solution to improve the airway. Surgery may involve unblocking the nose, removing tonsils, reducing tongue bulk and repositioning the palate and uvula. 

How long is the recovery after surgery?

Recovery from sleep surgery depends on the level of obstruction. Surgery to unblock the nose tends to have a reasonably simple recovery period and patients can return to work after 5-7 days.  Surgery to remove the tonsils, reposition the palate or debulk the tongue often requires at least 2 weeks of recovery.

What are the risks of surgery for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)?

Although low risk, all potential risks and complications will be discussed in detail before proceeding with any operation.