Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Seyit Resul Informs: Breathing Problems, Snoring, and Sleep Apnea

In recent times, in the modern world, comfort has led people to gain weight, eat poorly, develop bad habits, and avoid exercise, all of which contribute to obesity. Along with obesity, people with breathing problems, especially when breathing through the nose, often develop snoring. This becomes particularly problematic at night and can lead to a condition known as OSAS (Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome). What is obstructive sleep apnea syndrome? It occurs particularly in overweight individuals, where the tongue becomes larger than normal and, when lying on the back, the tongue falls into the throat like a plug and obstructs the air passage. As a result, especially at night, the airway can temporarily become blocked, causing temporary apneas (breathing pauses). These apneas can last for more than ten seconds, leading to a drop in the body's oxygen levels and potentially causing heart attacks, sudden spikes in blood pressure, and even sudden death during sleep. So, what should be done? First, weight loss is necessary. In addition, people should consult an ENT specialist if snoring is caused by nasal congestion or an enlarged tongue.

What does an ENT specialist do? First, they perform a detailed examination of the nose. They check if there is a deviation in the nasal bone, enlargement of the turbinates, or if the patient has allergies or chronic sinusitis. Some of these issues can be solved with surgery, while allergies and sinus issues are treated with medication.

Now, let's talk about snoring. Snoring is often caused by excessive enlargement of the tongue and its obstruction of the airway. In such cases, a surgical procedure called uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is performed. The basic principle of this surgery is to eliminate the obstruction in the airway that is causing the snoring. Snoring, beyond being just an annoyance, can severely affect the body's overall functions. As is known, a person who snores has a reduced oxygen level in the blood. When oxygen levels drop, the body doesn't enter the deep sleep phase, particularly the fourth phase of sleep. This phase, known as REM (Rapid Eye Movement), is where we experience dreams. When a person doesn't enter deep sleep, they may not dream, and this can disrupt the secretion of important hormones from the pituitary and hypothalamus. These hormones are crucial for our cognitive functions, mental development, fatigue levels, and general well-being. Additionally, snoring can lead to sexual dysfunction, diabetes, and heart and kidney diseases. Therefore, it is important not to ignore snoring, as it can cause irreversible damage over time. For this reason, people who snore should seek help from an ENT specialist as soon as possible.