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Do you know what sleep apnea is?
Sleep apnea is a condition in which the airway becomes blocked during sleep, causing breathing to stop for 10 seconds or longer.
It is not just a matter of temporarily stopping breathing; it also disrupts oxygen supply to the body, which can lead to serious problems.
This condition is known to cause various complications, so it requires careful attention at all times.
The important point is that many people are unaware they have these symptoms, which makes early treatment difficult.
Today, we will share detailed information about sleep apnea and introduce treatments that can help correct it, so please take a moment to review this information.
Sleep Apnea: This Is How Serious It Can Be
Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing temporarily stops or becomes shallow during sleep, causing repeated interruptions that disrupt the normal sleep cycle.
When this cycle is disturbed, the quality of sleep inevitably declines.
It can be difficult for patients to recognize when they are experiencing apnea themselves, but the condition may be suspected in individuals who experience the following symptoms:
If you still feel fatigued despite getting enough sleep, experience discomfort, headaches, or decreased concentration, sleep apnea may be a concern.
If left untreated, this condition can lead to frequent sleep fragmentation, hypoxia, and activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which in turn may cause serious health problems such as cardiovascular disease, arrhythmia, and even sudden death during sleep.
Sleep Apnea Caused by Deviated Septum
Sleep apnea can develop due to various factors, but it is particularly common in individuals who have functional problems within the nose.
Among these, a condition called deviated septum is closely linked to sleep apnea and requires special attention.
A deviated septum occurs when the nasal septum—the central partition inside the nose—is bent, narrowing one or both nasal passages.
While many people have mild septal deviations, severe cases can lead to nasal obstruction, sinusitis, and snoring.
For those with a deviated septum, blocked nasal passages during sleep often cause breathing through the mouth.
Mouth breathing pushes the tongue and soft palate backward, further narrowing the airway. A narrowed airway can trigger or worsen sleep apnea.
In such cases, septoplasty is recommended to correct the deviation. If symptoms are severe and significantly impact sleep apnea, the bent septum must be realigned to restore normal nasal function.
Bam-eo-dong Nasal Surgery Performed at ENT Clinics
Bam-eo-dong nasal surgery, which straightens a deviated septum and restores smooth airflow, is a functional procedure and should therefore be performed at an ENT clinic.
The surgery is typically performed using an endoscope inserted into the nose, without any external incisions, so no visible scars remain.
The mucosa covering the deviated septum is carefully incised, and the underlying bone and cartilage are separated and repositioned to straighten the septum. The procedure is completed by suturing the mucosa back in place, and the surgery usually takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Because this procedure must be tailored according to the degree of septal deviation and the internal nasal condition, a thorough examination at an ENT clinic is essential before surgery.
If you are considering this procedure, it is recommended to consult with an ENT specialist.
Cosmetic Improvement in a Single Surgery
For patients who require this surgery and also wish to enhance the appearance of their nose, functional and cosmetic procedures can be performed together.
This approach offers several advantages. Not only can both function and aesthetics be improved in a single surgery, but autologous cartilage can also be utilized.
During septoplasty for a deviated septum, portions of the septal cartilage are either removed or repositioned. The removed cartilage can then be used as material for nasal cosmetic enhancement.
Autologous cartilage, being the patient’s own tissue, carries a much lower risk of inflammation, foreign body reactions, and other complications compared to artificial implants, making it a preferred material for cosmetic procedures.
It also integrates well with the body’s tissues, allowing for a more natural shape and feel.
Additionally, septal cartilage has adequate strength and support, making it useful for elevating the nasal tip or shaping the nose.
Considering Surgery?
If the symptoms of a deviated septum are severe and sleep apnea is present, it is recommended to seek early treatment, taking into account the potential for various complications.
Visit a hospital with an experienced ENT specialist to accurately assess the internal condition of your nose and receive appropriate treatment.
This post has been written directly by a physician in compliance with Article 56, Paragraph 1 of the Medical Service Act. All procedures carry potential risks such as bruising, swelling, inflammation, or burns, so please consult with your medical professional before undergoing any treatment.