Signs to look for
Loud snoring, pauses in breathing that a partner notices, waking unrefreshed, falling asleep during the day, morning headaches, and high blood pressure that is hard to control.
Finding where the airway narrows
The airway can narrow at the nose, the soft palate, the tonsils, the tongue base or the voice box, and usually at more than one level. Dr Kana examines each with an endoscope, and a sleep study measures how often breathing stops and how far oxygen falls.
Treatment
For many people with moderate or severe apnoea, CPAP, a small mask that keeps the airway open with air pressure, is the most effective treatment. Weight loss, sleeping position and dental splints help some.
Surgery helps when there is a clear blockage: straightening the septum and reducing the turbinates so the nose breathes freely, removing large tonsils, or reshaping the soft palate. It can also make CPAP easier to tolerate.
Common questions
Will an operation stop my snoring?
It depends on where the noise comes from. That is why the airway is examined at every level before surgery is suggested.
Do I need a sleep study?
Usually yes, to know whether you have apnoea and how severe it is. Many can be done at home.
Should my partner come to the consultation?
If possible. They often know most about how you sleep.
This page is general information, not medical advice for your situation.
