Warning: Sleep Apnea & Anesthesia Aren't A Good Combination

If you suffer from sleep apnea, you need to be aware of the risks of anesthesia. While there are many real and potentially serious concerns, the negative effects of anesthesia can be minimized or even eliminated with the proper procedures and careful monitoring.

What Should I Do?

First, its very important that the anesthesiologist is aware of your sleep apnea. Precautionary measures have to be taken to be sure that any breathing problems dont endanger your time under anesthesia. In obstructive sleep apnea, the airways narrow when the throat muscles relax. This can affect the brain as the normal flow of oxygen to the lungs is interrupted.

The brain will sense the reduced lack of oxygen and will signal you to wake up. When you are under anesthesia, this is not possible. Being under anesthesia also contributes to more interrupted breathing spells. When an anesthesiologist has a patient with sleep apnea, he will take special care to keep airways open. Close monitoring is kept on the patient in surgery and in the recovery room.

Side effects from anesthesia can linger for hours after surgery so constant care is given to the patient during this time. A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine may be used to ensure the airways remain open for an even, continuous flow of oxygen. Generally as the body adjusts to the medications given for surgery, the immediate dangers will pass. In some severe cases, mechanical ventilation may need to be given.

Should I Cancel My Surgery?

There is no need to cancel needed surgery because of the potentially negative effects of anesthesia on your sleep apnea condition. But it's vital to let all the medical personnel know that you have this disorder. By doing this, you will give your medical team the time they need to set up a plan for monitoring you during surgery and the critical time immediately afterward.

Some people are not aware that they have sleep apnea and how it could complicate a surgery. If you think you may have it but are unsure, ask yourself a few simple questions. Do you snore? Are you tired and groggy in the morning? Are you falling asleep during the day? If you can answer yes to these questions you need to speak to your doctor about sleep apnea. Having your doctor diagnose sleep apnea before having anesthesia is an important step to a complete recovery.

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Having trouble finding effective sleep apnea cures? Check out the Apnea Guide website for helpful information about dealing with a sleep apnea problem and finally getting a good night's sleep again.