For sufferers of sleep apnea, the impact of the condition on their life can be substantial. The condition results in frequent waking during the night with shortness of breath, severe tiredness during the day and disruption of sleep for their sleep partner.
Current medical guidelines indicate use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), along with weight control and alcohol management. But more recently, the use of upper-airway surgery is becoming more popular as the initial treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the most common type of apnea in countries such as Australia and Scandinavia.
Researchers from the University of Adelaide in Australia, led by Dr. Adam Elshaug, report in the British Medical Journal that surgery should not be the first treatment for OSA.
A review of 7 randomized trials found that surgery did not have any impact on symptoms in 5, and where there was quality of life improvements following surgery they rarely lasted beyond 12 to 24 months.
Also, Dr. Elshaug’s team reviewed 48 studies which showed that 62% of the 21,346 patients who had undergone surgery for obstructive sleep apnea suffered persistent, adverse effects, including difficulty swallowing, voice changes, smell and taste disturbances and dry throat.
Over 20% said that they regretted having the surgery in the first place.
According to the study’s authors: “Surgery for obstructive sleep apnea should be done within controlled clinical trials, Patients should be informed about the trial, as well as the inconsistent results, the associated pain, the potential side effects and potential for relapse.”
Related posts:
- Sleep Apnea is a Surgical Risk Awareness is increasing about the dangers of sleep apnea. Risk...
- Sleep Apnea Leads to Hypercapnia Sleep apnea can cause many other health issues. Japanese researchers...
- Sleep Apnea Treatment Reduces Blood Pressure Multiple studies have shown a link between sleep apnea and...
No Comment Received
Leave A Reply