Question 1

i have obstructive sleep apnea. can a tonsillectomy completely improve my quality of life?

Accepted Answer

Possible : Usually there are more than one site of obstruction in sleep apnea patients.   Tonsils is one area of obstruction.  Other possible areas to address are the soft palate, tongue, lower jaw, hyoid bone, adenoids, nasal septum and turbinates.  Radiographic studies and a good exam by your doctor will determine areas of obstruction.

Question 2

what to do if i have obstructive sleep apnea. will a tonsillectomy completely improve my quality of life?

Accepted Answer

It depends: Although miracles can happen after a tonsillectomy(just had a patient who i did tonsillectomy for and her AHI went from 66 to 3), the likelihood of getting rid of sleep apnea is not high with only a tonsillectomy. You will need to be examined for the cause of sleep apnea and the severity. Your chances of success are better if you have a mild sleep apnea,but for severe tonsilectomy unlikely to cure

Question 3

i am suffering from sleep apnea and have a tonsillectomy scheduled for later this year. how well does this fix sleep apnea?

Accepted Answer

It depends: Depending onthe size of your tonsils and contributing factors of how they play into your overall issues with apniec periods, the surgery may help.  One procedure called a uppp invloves surgerizing the posterior pharygeal area to improve airflow, and often involves also removing tonsilar tissue.  Hopefully, in your case, you will be a good candidate that benefits greatly.  Best wishes to you.

Question 4

i have chronic severe tonsillar hypertrophy (4+) resulting in sleep apnea. will i be ok if i left it untreated (no tonsillectomy or cpap)?

Accepted Answer

Our bodies: don't like to be deprived of oxygen. It can lead to other health problems and risks.

Question 5

i have grade 4 enlarged tonsils causing mild to moderate sleep apnea (ahi 10, nadir spo2 88%). one dr said tonsillectomy other said cpap. what's best?

Accepted Answer

Both: unless you were born with extra tonsils you have 2 adult tonsils and adenoidal tissue. Either tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy plus C-PAP will be beneficial.

Question 6

is removal of tonsils a "must" for sleep apnea?

Accepted Answer

No: It is not a must, but if you have large tonsils blocking your airway it might be a great idea.  Many people who have sleep apnea, don't even have tonsils, but if you do, talk to your ENT or primary care physician to discuss your options.

Question 7

is sleep apnea common?

Accepted Answer

Yes: It has been published that it affects 4% of men and 2% of women, but personally, i think it is much higher.  Unfortunately, it has been given lower priority than other medical conditions.  That is now changing as we are discovering that is is associated with considerable medical and psychiatric morbidity and even mortality.

Question 8

symptoms if sleep apnea?

Accepted Answer

Insomia: High blood pressure, fatigue and insomnia are one of the most common symptoms associated with sleep apnea. With severe conditions you can be deprived of oxygen to an extent that it may cause death. Please consult your pcp for more information if you think that you have sleep apnea and ask to participate in a sleep study.

Question 9

what is organic sleep apnea?

Accepted Answer

Just another term: For sleep apnea. There are several types: obstructive, where the air is blocked from getting to your lungs by collapse of your upper airways during sleep, and central sleep apnea where your brain does not send the signals to your lungs to breathe, and the third type which is a mixture of the two. I cannot think of a sleep apnea that would not be organic, because there is no psychogenic sleep apnea.

Question 10

what is done for sleep apnea?

Accepted Answer

Many options: Once you had a formal sleep study, usually you get started with cpap.  If this is ineffective, then an oral appliance or surgical procedures are other treatment options.   Of course, if the patient is overweight then a wieght loss program is recommended.

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Doctor answers about:

Tonsillectomy for sleep apnea

A member asked:

I have obstructive sleep apnea. can a tonsillectomy completely improve my quality of life?

A member asked:

What to do if i have obstructive sleep apnea. will a tonsillectomy completely improve my quality of life?

A member asked:

I am suffering from sleep apnea and have a tonsillectomy scheduled for later this year. how well does this fix sleep apnea?

A member asked:

I have chronic severe tonsillar hypertrophy (4+) resulting in sleep apnea. will i be ok if i left it untreated (no tonsillectomy or cpap)?

A member asked:

I have grade 4 enlarged tonsils causing mild to moderate sleep apnea (ahi 10, nadir spo2 88%). one dr said tonsillectomy other said cpap. what's best?

A member asked:

Is removal of tonsils a "must" for sleep apnea?

A member asked:

Is sleep apnea common?

A member asked:

Symptoms if sleep apnea?

A member asked:

What is organic sleep apnea?

A member asked:

What is done for sleep apnea?

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