Sleep apnoe syndrome

In most of the cases there is a reduced muscle tone during sleep up to a restriction of the pharyngeal area (obstruction) often in combination with snoring sounds until streaming of the air is not possible anymore. In rare cases the breathing control of the brain is falling out or the patient shows a so-called periodic breathing (= clusters of breaths separated by intervals of apnea (no breathing) or near-apnea). Approximately 2-3 % of the population, mostly men older than the age of 60 suffer from this disease.
Risk factors are overweight, alcohol consumption in the evening, oversized soft palate, mandible hypognathous, disabled nasal breathing, short neck, family case history, disease like hypothyroidism, heart insufficiency, specific drugs (beta blocker, soporifics). The risk of this disease lies in a disorder of the sleeping architecture that leads to a fatigue during day, momentary nodding off, a lack of concentration, impotence, high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases. weiter zur Prophylaxe...
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As a precaution adiposity should be avoided and the alcohol consumption should be constrained. The optimal positioning of the head as well as regular sleeping times in an optimal surrounding have a positive effect.
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Distinctive fatigue throughout the day, irregular loud and disturbing snoring, gasping and panting for breath during the night, recognized breathing spell by the partner weiter zur Diagnostik...
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If the patient possibly suffers from a sleep-related respiratory disorder can be diagnosed in the course of an outpatient treatment eg. screening examination. The small appliance is taken home by the patient and is operated by the patient itself. If apnoeas are diagnosed, a night in the sleeping labour becomes necessary to make several tests and measurements. Various and different cables are needed to evaluate important values during the patient’s sleep that are necessary for the doctor making a diagnosis. Normally the tests run approximately 5 to 7 hours. weiter zur Therapie...
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Besides supporting surgical measures the disease must be treated by means of CPAP (= continuous positive airway pressure). At this procedure the disease is treated with hyperbaric ventilation. By using a little compressor, through a nose mask a pleasant and continuous positive airway pressure (5 – 15 millibar) is generated to keep the respiratory tract opened. This airway pressure prevents the respiratory tract from deflation and narrowing. The PAP therapy makes it possible for you to breathe easily during sleep. The PAP therapy is non-invasive, which means that there is no operation necessary, and the therapy relief you from your symptoms. Provided that the PAP therapy is carried out on doctor’s orders. The right airway pressure is determined in another overnight stay at the sleeping labour. If necessary, supporting surgical measures will be necessary. zurück zur Definition
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