Can removing tonsils help with sleep apnea?

Tonsillectomy as a Sleep Apnea Treatment

Swollen tonsils are more likely to cause sleep apnea in kids than adults. 79% of children with sleep apnea have their symptoms resolved through a tonsillectomy. For adults, a tonsillectomy can be effective, as long as the tonsils were swollen and causing the apnea episodes.

Can tonsils contribute to sleep apnea?

Massively enlarged tonsils can cause episodes of cessation of breathing known as obstructive sleep apnea.

Can you have sleep apnea if you don't have tonsils?

It is also possible for sleep apnoea in children to causing snoring and breathing problems even without the tonsils or adenoids as the throat can still close up during sleep.

Does sleep apnea reduce life expectancy?

Risks of obstructive sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is dangerous because if untreated, it leads to high blood pressure and is associated with an increased chance of heart attack, abnormal heart rhythms and heart failure. Studies have shown that sleep apnea can decrease life expectancy by several years.

Can sleep apnea be cured?

It's not officially a cure for sleep apnea – in fact, nothing is – but losing weight is almost always the first piece of advice given to those with signs of sleep apnea such as drowsiness, fatigue, snoring, and so on.

The Doctors - Tonsillectomy for Sleep Apnea

How do you fix sleep apnea?

How do you beat sleep apnea?

Many people find relief from sleep apnea by using their continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. This machine provides constant and steady air to the recipient which, in turn, reduces or eliminates the root cause of sleep apnea (obstructed air flow).

Can tonsils affect breathing?

Sometimes your tonsils or adenoids become infected or enlarged. In some people, they can cause frequent bacterial infections and can block airways, making it harder to breathe. If your adenoids and tonsils are enlarged, you might notice: It is hard to breathe through your nose.

How do you know if you need your tonsils removed?

Look for constant throat infections.

The result is swelling, inflammation, soreness, and pain. Most infections go away with antibiotics and similar medications. For some adults, tonsilitis can become chronic. If the infection happens 5 or more times a year, the doctor will propose removing the tonsils.

Can enlarged tonsils cause sleep problems?

Enlarged tonsils caused by tonsillitis can cause snoring and sleep apnea or worsen current sleep disorders worse. Tonsillitis is especially common in children who suffer from sleep apnea and is a common reason that tonsillectomies are performed in the United States.

When should you get a tonsillectomy?

There are two main reasons it may be time to undergo a tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils): You have chronic sleep apnea or snoring that disrupts your sleep. You experience recurrent tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils) caused by strep throat or other infections.

What is the main cause of sleep apnea?

In adults, the most common cause of obstructive sleep apnea is excess weight and obesity, which is associated with the soft tissue of the mouth and throat. During sleep, when throat and tongue muscles are more relaxed, this soft tissue can cause the airway to become blocked.

Does raising head of bed help sleep apnea?

"Sleeping with the head as elevated and upright as possible, such as with an adjustable bed or in a recliner, may be helpful in improving sleep apnea symptoms." Wedge-shaped pillows made of foam (rather than a squishier material) can help you achieve the right position that keeps the airway more open.

What can I use instead of a CPAP machine?

How I cured my sleep apnea naturally?

How long can you live with severe sleep apnea?

If left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea can shorten your life from anywhere between 12-15 years.

What foods help sleep apnea?

Is there a pill for sleep apnea?

For people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), getting a good night's rest can be difficult — the condition causes them to awaken repeatedly during sleep, leaving them unrefreshed when they wake. There is currently no medication specifically for treating sleep apnea.

What aggravates sleep apnea?

Having family members with sleep apnea might increase your risk. Use of alcohol, sedatives or tranquilizers. These substances relax the muscles in your throat, which can worsen obstructive sleep apnea.

What's the best position to sleep if you have sleep apnea?

Sleeping on the left side

It's by far the most effective sleep position to help control sleep apnea. It's considered to encourage blood flow, reduce snoring and calm sleep apnea. In fact, research points out that left side-sleepers experience less severe sleep apnea occurrences.

Can skinny people have sleep apnea?

The healthiest, skinniest person can still experience sleep apnea. A slender person may also be less likely to seek a diagnosis as they would not think sleep apnea is possible because of their weight.

Does sleep apnea happen every night?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder. People who have sleep apnea stop breathing for 10 to 30 seconds at a time while they are sleeping. These short stops in breathing can happen up to 400 times every night.

Can a pillow help with sleep apnea?

A good pillow can help improve comfort for sleep apnea patients while also reducing the risk of face mask air leaks. Some pillow designs feature indents for CPAP masks and hoses, and others are crafted to keep sleepers comfortable on their backs.

What are the disadvantages of removing tonsils?

What are the cons of getting tonsils removed?

Having your tonsils removed is associated with discomfort and risks: The wound may hurt and swallowing may be painful after the operation. About 20 to 50 out of 100 children say they have severe pain afterwards. Temporary nausea, vomiting, swallowing problems and loss of taste might occur.