About Snoring and Apnea

Snoring and sleep apnea are problems that occur in the respiratory tract during sleep. These conditions both reduce quality of life and can lead to serious health problems. These problems can be successfully solved with modern treatment methods.

Causes of Snoring and Apnea

Snoring and sleep apnea are usually caused by the following factors:

Upper Airway Narrowing: Narrowing in the nose, nasopharynx, or throat area Soft Palate Problems: Relaxation of the soft palate and uvula Adenoid and Tonsils: Enlarged adenoid or tonsils Nasal Obstruction: Nasal polyps, sinusitis, or allergy-related obstructions Obesity: Being overweight causes narrowing in the upper airways Types of Sleep Apnea Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) The most common type.

Occurs as a result of blockage of the upper airways. Breathing stops, oxygen level drops.

Central Sleep Apnea

Occurs as a result of interruption of breathing signals from the brain. Less common.

Mixed Apnea

Has both obstructive and central apnea characteristics.

Snoring and Apnea Treatment Methods

CPAP Device

A device that provides continuous positive air pressure keeps the airways open during sleep.

Surgical Interventions

Surgical solutions for adenoid, tonsil, or soft palate problems.

Laser and Radiofrequency

Minimally invasive methods for shaping soft tissues.

Lifestyle Changes

Measures such as weight loss, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol use.

Diagnosis Process

Snoring and apnea diagnosis typically consists of the following stages:

Clinical Examination: Detailed ENT examination and patient history
Sleep Test (Polysomnography): Measurement of breathing, oxygen level, and other parameters during sleep
Endoscopic Examination: Imaging of upper airways
Imaging: CT or MRI if necessary

Symptoms of Snoring and Apnea

Snoring and sleep apnea manifest with the following symptoms:

Loud snoring
Breathing stops during sleep
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Morning headaches
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability and mood changes

Complications of Snoring and Apnea

Untreated snoring and apnea can lead to the following problems:

High blood pressure
Heart diseases
Type 2 diabetes
Metabolic syndrome
Depression
Risk of work and traffic accidents

Who is at Risk?

The risk of snoring and apnea increases in the following situations:

Men over 40 Postmenopausal women Overweight individuals Large neck circumference Family history Alcohol and tobacco use Conclusion Snoring and sleep apnea are conditions that significantly affect quality of life and can lead to serious health problems. These problems can be successfully solved with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Thanks to modern treatment methods, patients can have quality sleep and a healthy life.

Snoring and Apnea