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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Millions of people across America suffer from the disruptive disorder sleep apnea, and treatments are often ineffective or inconvenient. Experts are starting to consider nasal surgery as a treatment for sleep apnea, as nasal obstruction is thought to contribute to uneven breathing during sleep. Dr. Jordan Pritikin, a board-certified otolaryngologist at The Chicago Nasal & Sinus Center, discusses the potential effects of nasal surgery in treating sleep apnea.
“Sleep apnea occurs when breathing is repeatedly interrupted during the sleep cycle,” says Dr. Pritikin. “There are a number of treatments available for sleep apnea, although some are inconvenient and often inefficient in fully treating symptoms.”
Widely used treatments include behavioral therapy and a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device that opens the patient’s airway during sleep by a pressurized flow of air into the throat. Other treatments include medications that encourage respiration or mouthpieces that open the airway. While these treatments are widely used, the latest research suggests that sleep apnea patients with nasal obstruction experience better sleep following corrective nasal surgery.
“The presence of obstruction in the nasal passages is associated with the symptoms of sleep apnea, so it makes sense to explore nasal surgery as a solution,” says Dr. Pritikin. “If less invasive treatments are ineffective, we can turn to nasal surgery as another option, but it’s unclear whether surgery alone will provide the best outcome for patients.”
About Dr. Jordan Pritikin
Dr. Jordan Pritikin is a board-certified otolaryngologist at Chicago Nasal & Sinus Center, a private medical practice devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of nasal and sinus disorders. Dr. Pritikin is a Fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and attended Rush Medical College in Chicago, where he was selected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honors Medical Society. Over the years, Dr. Pritikin has cultivated an interest in Rhinology, focusing his practice on diseases of the nose and sinuses, and has participated in clinical research exploring innovative therapies for chronic sinusitis. He has lectured at local and national meetings, developed informational and training videos demonstrating surgical techniques for the nose and sinuses, and has helped develop and refine instruments designed for sinus surgery. Dr. Pritikin and the Chicago Nasal & Sinus Center offer patients an unparalleled level of service, utilizing state-of-the art technology and innovative treatments while maintaining a thoughtful and caring approach. For more information visit http://www.
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