Sleep apnoea
Sleep apnoea means nocturnal breathing disorders that go beyond snoring, in the sense of temporary breathing stops that can last from a few seconds to a minute. The breathing stops are usually caused by the collapse of the pharyngeal walls while lying down during sleep. The length and number of apnoeas, depending on their severity, lead to a drop in oxygen saturation in the blood. Left untreated for years, sleep apnoea causes the walls of the blood vessels to thicken. High blood pressure and heart disease can be the long-term consequences. Many patients notice increasing daytime sleepiness, morning headaches or a dry mouth. Blood pressure that is difficult to control with medication can also indicate sleep apnoea. Partners often notice the breathing pauses during snoring.
Sleep apnoea requires different levels of treatment depending on its severity. Weight gain and obesity are a risk factor for the development of sleep apnoea syndrome. We use a new examination method for diagnosis - respiratory polygraphy, WatchPatTM. We can record most questions with this mobile device. The examination takes place at night in your familiar home environment. We can determine whether you are suitable for this examination during a consultation and an endoscopic examination in our sleep consultation.
