A common form of sleep disorder, OSA or obstructive sleep apnea can be experienced by any person, irrespective of age. This article discusses the various treatment options available for the sleep disorder, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea - How It Is Treated
Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery
http://www.hpcsurgery.com/

2. A common form of sleep disorder, OSA or obstructive sleep apnea can be experienced by any
person, irrespective of age. OSA occurs due to complete or partial blocking of the upper airway
as a result of the collapsing of the soft tissue at the back of the throat. OSA causes disruption of
normal breathing. However, this condition can be treated effectively with sleep apnea treatment
provided by experienced surgeons in Houston, Texas. Some of the common symptoms of OSA
are:

Disturbed sleeping pattern

Feeling tired during day time and excessive depression

Change in personality with the person becoming short tempered

Recurring headaches during morning time and high blood pressure

Difficult to monitor and concentrate on daily activities
Following are some of the options available for obstructive sleep apnea treatment:
Although there are various options available for the treatment of OSA, the type of treatment will
depend upon the severity of the symptoms. The treatment choices comprise positive pressure
therapy, surgical treatment, oral applications and positional treatment. Mandibular advance
devices and tongue retaining devices are made use of in cases of moderate OSA. Another method
is CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), which is known to be a very effective therapy.
However, the therapy comes with its own share of side effects such as chest pain, dry eyes, nasal
congestion or unbalanced air swallowing. Moderate or severe complications such as daytime
sleepiness, airway blockage and high blood pressure can be corrected with the help of sleep
apnea surgery.
Sleep apnea surgery options are mentioned below:

Tonsillectomy
This treatment is provided mostly for children suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.

3. 
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)
This treatment is recommended for patients having extra soft tissue of the palate and uvula. The
procedure requires the removal of tonsils and tightening of the pharynx walls, and helps in
eliminating the obstruction in the upper airway. This also helps in reducing snoring to a great
extent. However, the symptoms are likely to reoccur in 5 years’ time.

Tracheostomy
The process of tracheostomy requires the surgeon to make an incision in the lower neck after
which a tube is placed through this opening and an airway is created. However, due to the risks
and long term complications involved, this procedure is not used very often.

Hyoid Myotomy
The procedure helps in widening of the airway by pulling the tongue base forward. In most of the
cases, this procedure is performed along with MMA (maxillomandibular advancement) and
UPPP. This procedure has a high success rate.

Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA)
This is a highly effective procedure for treating OSA, which involves the cutting of both upper
and lower jaw bones and advancing them forward.

Genioglossus Advancement
In this, the muscles of the tongue base are advanced forward on a small piece of bone attached to
the mandible. This procedure opens up the hypopharyngeal airway and is usually combined with
other surgical procedures to correct a small airway.

Distraction Osteogenesis
The procedure is helpful in treating airway obstruction in toddlers and neonates. Incisions are
made in the lower jawbone. Devices to slowly “stretch” the bones are placed over the incisions.
The procedure helps to restore a more anatomically normal bony shape. Moreover, children
undergoing this surgery can avoid a future tracheostomy and associated long-term complications.

4. Effective results and safety are ensured when the sleep apnea treatment is provided by an
experienced and reliable plastic surgeon at an AAAASF-accredited plastic surgery facility.
About Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery
Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery is an established surgical center based in Houston,
Texas offering effective cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. For more details, visit
www.hpcsurgery.com.
Contact Information
6400 Fannin, Suite 2290
Houston, TX 77030
Ph: 713-791-0700
Fax: 713-719-0703
http://www.hpcsurgery.com/