Thursday, August 30, 2007

What happens in people with obstructive sleep apnea?

When we sleep the throat muscles relax and become floppy (like other muscles). In most people, this does not affect breathing. If you have OSA, the throat muscles become so relaxed and floppy during sleep that they cause a narrowing or even a complete blockage of the airway.
When the airway is narrowed and the airflow is restricted, at first this causes snoring. If there is a complete blockage then the breathing actually stops (apnea). The blood oxygen level then goes down which is detected by the brain. Your brain then tells you to wake up and you make an extra effort to breathe, and you start to breathe again with a few deep breaths. You will then normally quickly go back off to sleep again and not even be aware that you have woken up.
If someone watches you, he or she will notice that you stop breathing for a short time, and then make a loud snore and a snort, perhaps even sound as if you are briefly choking, briefly wake up, and then get straight back off to sleep.
It is quite common for many of us to have the odd episode of apnea when we are asleep, often finishing with a 'snort'. This is of no concern. In fact, some people when they sleep have periods of 10-20 seconds when they do not breathe. However, people with OSA have many such episodes during the night. In fact, the episodes of apnea are usually only considered 'significant' if they occur more than 10 times per hour, and for each spell of apnea (stopped breathing) to last 10 seconds or more. People with OSA can have hundreds of episodes of apnea each night.
So, if you have OSA, you wake up many times during the night. You will not remember most of the times but your sleep will have been greatly disturbed. As a consequence, you will usually feel sleepy during the day. Daytime sleepiness in someone who is a loud snorer at night is the classic hallmark of someone who has OSA.

Thursday, August 23, 2007

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a debilitating sleep and breathing disorder defined as the cessation of breathing for 10 seconds or more (an apnea) at least five times per hour of sleep. During sleep, the body's muscles relax, which can cause excess tissue to collapse into the upper airway (back of the mouth, nose and throat) and block breathing. When breathing is interrupted by an obstruction in the airway, the brain doesn't get enough oxygen. The body reacts by waking enough to start breathing again. These arousals may occur hundreds of times each night but do not fully awaken the patient, who remains unaware of the loud snoring, choking and gasping for air that are typically associated with obstructive sleep apnea. The symptoms include feeling tired in the morning like you didn't get enough rest. The individual may fall asleep during the day and may spend more time in bed than normal. There is chronic daytime exhaustion and long-term cardiovascular stress. After many years with this disorder elevated blood pressure and heart enlargements may occur.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Snoring

Sleep is not just resting or taking a break from busy routines - it is essential to physical and emotional health. Adequate sleep may also play a role in helping the body recover from illness and injury. Even occasional sleeping problems can make daily life feel more stressful and less productive.


How serious is snoring?

Snoring does not only keep you awake the whole night, but it can also annoy your spouse and even destroy your happy relationship. Relationships had been terminated and marriages destroyed all because of snoring. Just imagine if you had to use separate bedrooms or even divorce because your spouse can't take it any longer. In addition to posing a strain on relationships, it can also indicate a possibly dangerous and life-threatening disease.

What causes snoring?

The noisy sounds of snoring occur when there is an obstruction to the free flow of air through the passages at the back of the nose and mouth. This area is the collapsible part of the airway. When you breathe in your sleep, the tongue, muscles of the upper throat and the soft palate (roof of the mouth that separates nasal and oral cavities) collide with the uvula. Air is forced through a narrow airway, causing a loud vibration. Snoring may keep you awake the whole night, and the following day you are tired, your performance at work or school is badly affected and you feel as though you could sleep on your desk at work. Although some may hear their own snores when they're half awake, most snorers are often unaware that they snore until they are told of it.

Tuesday, August 07, 2007

Patient Satisfaction

In a recent online survey, it was found that 99% of patients were happy with the services provided by Dr.Kumaresh at Apollo Hospitals, Bangalore.
Some comments:
I have been telling all my collegues about you... in fact if you are a steriotype/representative of the types if Drs Apollo has, I am planning to buy a lot of Apollo sshares/stock since I am sure it will do very well- Consultant Infosys.

I would like to appreciate the way you treat your patient. I visited many hospitals and famous/Specialist doctors before this but the In Apollo Hospitals the way you treat as a Doctor to your patients is really marvelous. Thanks a lot Doctor for everything. You are really best doctor-Manager Accenture.

You did not impose unnecessary medicines or treatment. You were very courteous and it was very easily evident that you cared about your patients. Have never had the experience of a doctor proactive sharing through email such valuable information. The jesture of continuing to be in touch and updating with useful information is also amazing. Keep it up DOC .The information in the blog for adenoids was also very good. Continue the good work that you are doing - Software Engineer TCS.

Put me to observation and self cure with anti allergen instead of rushing for surgery. You said Deviated Nose is common and so many people have it and all cases doesn't need surgery. According to my experience & observation, usually a Surgeon straight away suggest surgery instead of finding the actual reason and often the surgery would be of no use if the problem is caused by other factors where micro analysis is required - IT Professional Motorola

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

Some problems associated with tonsils

Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils. A sore throat is the common symptom. In addition, you may also have a cough, fever, headache, feel sick, feel tired, painful swallowing, and swollen neck glands. Pus may appear as white spots on the enlarged tonsils. Symptoms typically get worse over 2-3 days and then gradually go, usually within a week. Most cases of tonsillitis are caused by viruses, some are caused by bacteria. See separate leaflet called 'Tonsillitis' for more details.
Infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever)
Infectious mononucleosis is caused by a virus (the Epstein-Barr virus). It tends to cause a severe bout of tonsillitis in addition to other symptoms. See separate leaflet called 'Glandular Fever' for more details.
Quinsy
This is also known as 'peritonsillar abscess. An abscess is a collection of pus. Quinsy is an uncommon condition where an abscess develops next to a tonsil due to a bacterial infection. It usually develops just on one side. It may follow tonsillitis or develop without a preceding tonsillitis. The tonsil on the affected side may be swollen or look normal, but is pushed towards the midline as pus forms and the abscess next to the tonsil gets bigger and bigger. Quinsy is very painful and can make you feel quite unwell. It is treated with antibiotics, but also the pus often needs to be drained with a small operation.

When do I need my tonsils taken out?
Removing the tonsils (tonsillectomy) may be an option if you have frequent and severe bouts of tonsillitis. That is, five or more infections over a year or when each infection is severe enough to affect normal life (such as needing time off work or school). Throat infections are not prevented if the tonsils are removed. However, for some people, the number and severity of throat infections may be reduced after tonsillectomy.