I come from a family of sleep apnea sufferers, and got to the point of having to buy a CPAP as I was waking up from choking. I didn't want to do this! I did some research, and here's how I completely cured my sleep apnea. I began to exercise everyday and quit all between meal snacks and cut out all refined foods, sugar and alcohol. In three months my weight returned to normal, and after that my sleep apnea was gone. Today I rarely even snore! I am still eating only a whole food diet and don't drink alcohol. I also still hit the gym 4 days a week and walk daily. Sleep apnea is now a thing of the past for me!
@@Simon-pl2zi hi Simon ! Please tell us more ! I’m suffering so much i wake up exausted and ashamed of loudly snoring ! In your cases loosing weight was all it took ?
Great news.. It took me failing off my bike and breaking my jaw for kings college to offer surgery to fix that but also fix my sleep apnea. CPAP is absolutely terrible especially if youre below 33 and single
Vik Veer is not only a top surgeon, but his powers of communication with this tricky subject are so very good... I just hope he is a teacher and lecturer to medical students, as part of his work.
I just got my new Cpap machine. The first thing I’ve learned to do is get on youtube and learn how to get into the therapeutic menu (usually blocked for patients) and turn down the maximum level of flow to 10 from 16 to stop it from blasting my face with to much air. It never wakes me up after doing this yet my events per hour are about 0.2.
My doctor didn’t seem that concerned about my waking up in the night gasping for breath or my frequent urinating at night . I even mentioned it to my dentist his reply was sleep face down . I was stressed so self diagnosed sleep apnea. Bought a cpap machine with great difficulty but now I have excellent sleep all night no getting up to pee .
thank you so much Dr Veer. I have struggled with the CPAP machine as I have allergies and usually have a blocked nose at night, and I am a mouth breather. Thank you for this information, I will call the doctor on seeing the ENT and the dentist as my next steps. Thanks.
Im in Australia and my GP refused to refer me to a ENT specialist even after my sleep study of 50 events per hour. CPAP was the only recommended therapy. It's a money making scheme because the CPAP suppliers are incentivised to sell as many machines as possible. The Western medical system is set up to mask symptoms and not treat root cause in a majority of cases, sad.
It's so good of you to make these wonderfully informative videos Mr. Veer - your knowledge, skill, enthusiasm - and humility - is truly encouraging. Many thanks!
Since we are closely affiliated I would offer a copy of the guidelines to your team and see what they say. Most of us all know this, but often it is forgotten.
I wish you were my doctor. I was diagnosed with OSA two years ago after waking up exhausted most mornings, my GP sent me to see a respiratory specialist who sent me to see an ENT specialist who did look in my nose, informed me I severe deviated septum and them just handed me a business card for his dietitian mate. The number of times I was handballed to someone else was extremely annoying, I was definitely being shoved along the CPAP route, which is where I am now, an expensive piece of kit sits beside the bed not being used.
Mine was actually the opposite, I used to have this serious migraines since I was younger till I was 28 then I couldn’t handle it any longer wifey told me that my snore has gotten very serious and I stop breathing several times in the night .Realized it was sleep apnea and went to the hospital , I was prescribed the cpap and boy oh boy never slept this good in a long time , my headaches stop but I would love to have other alternatives than the cpap
It would be great if you can do a video on advice for sleep disorders caused by nervous system damage/restlessness such as from physical assault. Not every sleep problem is obstruction based.
Review your lifestyle, cut the carbs and strart intermittent fasting. I recommend you check out the Carnivore Diet, look up Dr. Shawn Baker and Dr. Ken D. Berry, they have lots of videos on TH-cam.
Vik is an ear, nose and throat surgeon. Sleep apnoea is something he treats regularly due to his speciality. Sleep disorders due to other causes are not.
Thank you for all you do, Dr. Veer - everything you have here is so very informative. I am working (slowly) on trying to cure my sleep apnea, through maxillary expansion and repositioning of the mandible so that the TMJs are properly centered. So far the process is going rather well, and in a follow-up in-lab study recently my supine AHI had dropped by over 50% and my diseases was reclassified from "severe" to "mild, positional." However, I know that at least a reasonable portion of the remainder of my OSA is due to chronic rhinits which creates too much nasal airway resistance. I had a septoplasty about 9 months ago to correct a mild deviation, septal perforation, septal spur pushing into a turbinate, and crushing a small concha bullosa. But even after that, there's still a congested feeling and my surgeon noted during my most recent checkup that the mucosa tissue just generally seemed inflamed on the turbinates, the septum, the lateral wall, just kind of everywhere. Any suggestions on methods to try to attack that? Historically medications haven't done much, but we've talked about giving those another try. I'm seeing things like Rhinaer and Clarifix as a means to try to attack the posterior nasal nerve under the assumption it's gone a bit hyperactive and they're trying to calm it down - but cautious about those since they are both new. Would love to get any additional thoughts you might have ... as I really think the remainder of my OSA is tied up in the nasal cavity.
I'm very boring when it comes to these things. I check for allergies and infections (RAST and skin prick tests with swabs for bacteria and fungi), and if there is nothing there I encourage nasal breathing (mouth taping all day - and night if safe), and loads of salty water douche. if possible live by the sea / swim in the sea for as long as possible. I'm assuming they have done the Dymista thing as well? Generally it is an infection (especially fungal if everything seems red and angry including the septum), and therefore I remember to give at least 2 months of antifungal cream. If it is just turbinate hypertrophy then I radiofrequency that. Personally I'm not a fan of disturbing the nerves or function of the nose, but I am in a minority when it comes to that. I even seem to care about Nitric Oxide and make my openings in sinuses less than 8mm to retain the gas produced. Not sure if it does anything, but we must be making that stuff for a reason. This is a silly comment - I will stop now. sorry.
@@VikVeerENTSurgeon Hello, i know a year has passed since this reply, but a turbinate reduction couldnt help with chronic rihinitis or chronic rhinitis + inflamed turbinates?
This is really interesting. I was diagnosed with osa about 9 years ago and have been using cpap since then. I use it every night but still don't feel refreshed. I've suffered with nasal blockages since I was a child, had some soft tissue removed in my teens to help this, also suffering with fur and house dust allergies. I've always felt like my throat is full of catah, but wonder now if it might be enlarged tonsils. At night my nostrils can become blocked, it not unusual for one to be completely blocked, such that none of the cpap air will pass through. I'd love to be free of cpap and to wake refreshed.
I am the same I don’t feel refreshed or anything. Just told use cpap. I must admit the pillow mask is better then the full face. But I still feel tired.
How much of a role do you think facial structure plays in sleep disorders? I feel that recessed jaws can narrow the upper airway in some, and particularly patients with a normal BMI. I am interested to hear your thoughts on this.
it causes an issue - and we mostly know this from people who have severe deformities. Hard to work out when we should intervene though. lots of research needed in all aspects of sleep apnoea.
Very interesting! Two questions if you'd be so kind: 1. If i go to my GP tomorrow, and explain my sleep apnea condition, are they still likely to advise trying a CPAP.... BEFORE tonsil removal? And 2. Do you think jaw surgery will soon become available on the NHS for those with underdeveloped mandibles (thus having smaller airway volume)? It seems to be an increasingly popular procedure.. Thanks for the interesting content!
1. if they don't you can furnish them with a copy of the NICE guidelines to help them. most people aren't up to date yet on them. it must be very hard for GPs to keep up to date with everything all the time. 2. it has been available for years. most hospitals with a MaxFax service offer it. Jonathan Collier in central London and Ms Papa in Essex are my go to people near me.
@@VikVeerENTSurgeon Interesting. So why do people choose to pay and go abroad for it..? Is it simply to avoid year-long wait times? I have also heard that the UK doesn't have the best track record for such procedures... and to be honest from what I've seen of websites, they very rarely show clear before and after pictures..quite infuriating to have no idea of what they're capable of..
@@cristoff3 I'm English and off to see Professor Alfaro in Barcelona. Wait times are ridiculous in the UK, try like 3 to 5 years. Also a few prominent maxillofacial surgeons in the UK wanted to shave my chin where as Dr Kasey Li and Alfaro told me not too it would be ridiculous. The movements they were proposing would not be as good as what was quoted by Alfaro also. Should look at the BIRD study to get an idea how much mm is a cure rate.
I am Very interested with your explanation. Many doctors in my country seems avoid surgery rather than recomending Cpap. I think I will choose for surgery rather than using my CPAP. Need to know about the cost for that.. your information very detail and logic for me...
my glaucoma doctor did not care if I had sleep apnea. Still have tonsils, too. Would like to do something difference. My nasal passages will close up within 2 hours. My respect for Doctors in sleep apnea is as low as it is for the AMA. I wake up with congested nose. I sit up, wait for it to clear, lie down, and try to go asleep. And my personal physician has long since retired and the 3 subsequent doctors (and their health care corporations) just seem to be interested in sleep tests (torture) and selling the latest CPAP gizmos.
I’m curious what your thoughts are regarding double jaw surgery for sleep apnoea treatment. My current opinion is that a lot of people who struggle with OSA/UARS would benefit from correcting the skeletal discrepancies of the jaws that cause a small airway. I wish more doctors would focus on fixing the bony structure to create more airway space, rather than just removing soft tissues.
I have done a video on it. th-cam.com/video/aJ_SelpUu6Q/w-d-xo.html I also mention that good maxfax surgeons will ask for the soft tissue to be sorted first before they deal with the bony work.
I’m surprised the video and no where in the comments did anyone mention that having your tonsils out as an adult is a whole other bag than a child . I’m an adult not only is it a lot bloodier but it’s considered a much more dangerous surgery than in a child!
My 18 year old son was diagnosed with mild sleep apnoea. He had a septoplasty and turbinectomy last year and was meant to have his tonsils removed this month but due to high number of COVID patients in hospitals, elective surgeries have been put on hold (in Victoria, Australia). I'm a little relieved to hear you say "if you have large tonsils, have them removed" because his tonsils have never given him a problem, no more than two case of tonsillitis during childhood. and I've been worrying him undergoing unnecessary surgery. On the other hand, I have been diagnosed with severe sleep apnoea, my septum is straight, turbinates small but have I narrow nasal passages. My ENT's report said "severe narrowing of retroglossal airway by bulky base of tongue and posteriorly displaced and flattened epiglottis" Ugh, looks like I just have to persevere with the CPAP which I use 80% of the time.
The only good excuse to remove tonsils is because they are causing sleep apnoea. recurrent infections is hard as it often gets better with time so it is rather difficult to make a decision on this. Hopefully it'll all be good in the end. good luck!
Because tonsil removal surgery gets increasingly dangerous as you get older. The tonsil tissue grows further and further down your throat towards the major artery. When removing it it could possibly tear or rupture of the artery and you would bleed out on the operating table. There would be nothing they could do to close it back up and save you.
well actually with chronic infections there is a layer of fibrotic tissue that forms in the tonsillar plane (like scar tissue). that's what makes it harder to operate on. I've never heard of any one damaging the carotid in a tonsillectomy. you would need to cut through the muscles of the throat to get there. I didn't manage to damage this artery even when I was a cancer surgeon and the cancer was near the carotid. the operation is more painful as you get older though.
I have an unusually large tonsil on one side that my GP is keeping an eye on. I've had two ENTs look at it. I told them all I snore and worry about OSA, but they won't recommend a sleep study so I don't have a diagnosis. Surgery is scary, though. I'm pretty sure I was snoring before my enlarged tonsil showed up. For reference, it is big enough that it nearly touches my uvula.
Just about everything you said about CPAP is flat wrong. I have been using one since the mid 90's. For one, I have saver allergies and I can be almost totally blocked when I put on my mask and within a few minutes I can breath through my nose well enough to sleep. The trick is to use nose pillows, not the mask. Also use the water tank. Another thing is to have the pressure set right. not to high, not to low. Only you can know the right setting, doctors don't know squat. I had my tonsils out when I was a child and it did nothing to help my apnea what so ever. As for any other kind of surgery, everyone I know who has had it told me they would never do it again, plus there apnea came back. As for an appliance to keep your jaw forward? In my case it only made me drown in saliva all night long. No workie.
I have never had my Tonsils removed . I was diagnosed with sleep apnea years ago . They quickly pushed the CPAP which I could never fall asleep with it on. I now just deal with being tired all the time . If I go back to the doctor's. I would like to look into surgery and having my Tonsils removed. I also have a stuffed nose which I think is also a problem .
I've had my tonsils, my uvula, part of my soft pallate removed, my deviated septum fixed, tried a Mandibular Advancement Device, and CPAP. None of it has really worked for me to fix my Apnea... its depressing.
You are great doctor I like your way of explanation , by the way one of relatives called Shaden 5 years old with her parents will be in London for nearly one year I already tell them about you very soon they will see you,, good luck and I wish you always the best 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
I have a CCC level 2 problem, tonsils are okay, no lateral collapse. Do you do barbed pharyngoplasty in the UK? I heard this may really help. I don't know the cost for foreigners, but I'd consider going to your clinic.
Thanks for the great info! Do you know if the USA has a similar guideline? A lot of doctors here also only prescribe cpap. I had to fight really hard to get MAD.
20 years ago my father had his soft pallete removed to treat his snoring. I'm struggling with the same but have had no surgery. Where can I start with technology options in the US?
I have the issue you described where one of my nostrils gets partially clogged when I’m sleeping, which makes it difficult to breathe at night. I’ve tried the nasal spray for a few weeks and no luck. Any other suggestions?
it normally takes 4-6 weeks, but if no joy after full treatment (see my video on how to take nasal sprays correctly), then speak to your GP, you might have a deviation.
@@VikVeerENTSurgeon I also have this problem, and I be tried literally everything to no avail... My blocked nose 🐽 occur due to nasql polyps .I be been using cayenne pepper tea and it's helping... However I still wake up at night with clogged nose and racing heartbeat.. it's having massive toll in my life
Discovering the cause of apnea and hypopneas - the cause of blockages or restrictions- anatomically! This can be done lying supine using 3D imaging while the patient is actually sleeping to determine what actually is causing the sleep apnea!
I was just told I have mild sleep apnea, does mild apnea require the cpap machine? I would hate to have to wear that thing :( I don’t ever usually wake during the night so idk. I’m also normal weight for my height. I am really wondering if my chronic post nasal drip could be causing it and the mucus in the back on my throat blocking my airway? Thanks
What are your thoughts for double jaw surgery for UARS and apnea? I think I need to book an appointment with you as I need a sleep study done, But considering jaw surgery for breathing and aesthetics
If your tonsils were removed as a child, and you still have chronic sleep apnea even in middle age, and can't wear that mandibular device due to painful teeth, is there an option? My cpap works OK but all through the night the mask leaks and I have to keep adjusting it, which doesn't help sleeping! Also I am not a fan of surgery. I live in NZ but am currently in India for family reasons. What suggestions would you have? Is enlarged heart due to sleep apnea as well? Obesity I know. Thanks for your amazing videos!
So I have a small jaw, a deviated septum, big tonsils and snore terribly. In my sleep study they said I stopped breathing 32 times an hour. Would a sleep endoscopy tell you why I snore so bad?
I would think so - but if you have a lot to be getting on with already - why not speak to an ENT surgeon and see what can be done. The nose would be my first point.
What do you think about UPPP + hyoid advancement/suspension as first-line treatment for moderate to severe apnea (not significantly improved by a MAD)?
Hello Doctor Vik. I m from India. I want ur guidance sir. Recently my mom(85yrs,72kg) is diagnosed with sleep apnea. Her AHI was 41. Here Dr. suggested to buy Auto CPAP. I checked online.. BMC and RESMED both companies' Auto Cpap is available. But with huge price difference.. from 22500 to 75000!! Sir I m so confused which one to buy BMC/RESMED? Here some vendors says BMC is not good as RESMED. Can you please guide me? If u wish, i can mail u my moms reports too. Thank you. (We had borrowed Resmed Airsense10 for 10days, after that my mom's AHI goes down to 1.5) Sir .. pl suggest best machine for my mom.
I had my tonsils removed when I was six and I have a deviated septum, I wonder if there is something to be done and what is your opinion on the laser surgeries for sleep apnea that are offered around the world? Thank you for sharing your knowledge!!
that's a big video. on the whole the evidence isn't good for LAUP and I don't do it. there are some laser operations that work better but I am not keen on them for lots of reasons.
Vik do you have a email. I have had 3 studies done my results are different each time. I am on cpap now. I am tall slim. And confused 🤷🏻♂️Based in UK am on NHS but thinking going private through Nuffield or Bupa.
Vik I am on the NHS waiting times for EBT is 18 month in Staffordshire. I can travel anywhere. I will ask for doctor to do a refferel as I have followed you and you know what you are doing
You made me cry. I have suffered years. Cpap doesn't work. High BP. Exhausted all the time. I am taking the NICE guidelines to my next appointment. Thank you so much for putting this information out there.
Most doctors are idiots because medical school drains the creativity and curiosity out of them. How many people who are creative want to go through the crazy medical school curriculum? When people stop thinking they do a bad job of ANY job.
@@baddadmaddad7438 hii I have a question, does sleep apnea causes high BP or High BP causes sleep apnea??? As I have postpartum high BP and sometimes I suffer from sleep apnea
After a sleep study indicating OSA, why not perform a Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy to actually see, in real time, where the obstruction is? Otherwise, you're guessing correct? Is the obstruction nasal? Soft palette? Tonsils? Tongue? Throat collapse? I've been on this merry-go-round for 30 years.......
I agree. My blockage is behind the nasal cavity. Mucus builds up and has a hard time draining away when I lie down. I have tried to explain it but my ENT specialist doesn’t really seem to get it. I am going to see someone else shortly to see if widening the nose holes will help, but I am not really convinced this is treating the source. Then again nasal sprays have had limited effectiveness either.
@@plan4life I had septoplasty in dec 2021 unfortunately it offers only temporary relief then i do have severe nasal congestion my nose is blocked when lying down i used the room humidifier that gives me relief for a couple of months then now it is no longer helping again, I cant even use my cpap now because there is no way for the air to come in i ended up sleepless,tired eventhough i have to work in days...i am wondering if leaving Manhattan NYC can help because when i was in tropical country vacationing i dont have issues with nasal congestion😔😔😔
@@joetraveler5609 So what is septoplasty? I have been offered a 20 min op which removes part of the inner nose which collects the mucus. Is that septoplasty? They did already numb it to test if it would help and concluded it would have little effect. Then again I was sitting upright and this was during the day so it wasn’t a real life situation. Having done yet another sleep test (3 in 12 months!) they have concluded that my problem is my sleep routine and that I sleep too much during the day (duh, it’s called catch-up sleep) and that I am to blame for most of my sleep problems and that I should wear an mra (brace) again. So I am back to square 1 and where I was 10 years ago and they are no longer asdressing the problem in my nose. I have told them so many times I have a feeling certain foods seem to exacerbate the problem (maybe sugar and caffeine?) and my weight has increased the problems and that I have worse issues in the Summer months. All of this seems irrelevant to them. We also have had a humidifier in the bedroom but I seemed to get both positive and negative results so I am not convinced it helped at all. Tried an air purifier with special filter (can’t remember the name - hepa??) but again no conclusive results. Tried eliminating sugar for a day from my diet but no definite improvement even though if I have a sweet dessert in the evening for instance the problems seem considerably worse. I seldom drink caffeine (coffee, tea and chocolate) anymore as I am almost certain this creates unrest in my brain and my legs and possibly blocks my nose even more. I am so frustrated. This problem has caused my weight to plummet, I now have diabetes and have to take blood pressure tablets, I have almost zero energy but have been told to avoid sleeping during the day and get more exercise. 😡 oh and to eat less.. even though I hardly eat anything for the first two meals of the day and eat a normal meal at the end of the day. Talk about banging your head against a brick wall. I am fascinated when you say you get no problem with nasal congestion in a tropical environment. So that would be a hot, moist environment? Do you, normally speaking, have airco at night? And on holiday? Edit: oh can I ask too, do nasal sprays help? They don’t much for me and sometimes actually make it worse. Do you have more problems sleeping on one side than the other? I avoid sleeping on my right side as the problems are considerably worse. And do you frequently wake up in a panic because of the inability to breathe? Curious how it affects you most.
This is good to hear. I was diagnosed with mild OSA 4 years ago. I never have issues sleeping but it's my snoring which my wife constantly complained about which saw me exiled to the spare bedroom, thus promting me to see my doctor. After a home sleep study I was given a CPAP device. At first it was great, the snoring stopped and my wife once again tolerated me in the bedroom, however........I just can't tolerate using CPAP! The majority of times I wake up several times in the night having to readjust the mask due to air blasting my eyes just as you described in your video (beard or not, same results). Not once in my talks with the sleep clinic was my nose/mouth ever checked out. I'm constantly blowing my nose everyday for years and I vaguely remember my dentist once saying I had an overgrown soft pallette, whether or not that is a cause for snoring I don't know! I now work overseas, only use my CPAP if I'm home and me n the wife are forced to share a room i.e when visiting relatives or hotels etc. I would love it if there was some form of magic surgery to fix me. Your video has inspired me to go back to my sleep clinic next time I'm home in the hope for some alternative remedy so thankyou. Consider me your newest subscriber 🙂
This is great news. I suspect for many it would still be a struggle to convince their GPs that there are solutions other than the bog-standard CPAP. My sleep apnea is due to a complex set of issues, but having my tonsils removed has allowed me to come off the CPAP. I was on CPAP for 10 years, and even then, having terrible nights at times, waking up with a splitting headache. I haven't experienced that since the operation. Thanks, Mr Veer!
I could not make it through the stupid required sleep study for the evaluation to use a CPAP. All those stupid wires glued to your head, straps tight across your chest and more glued leads on your legs. My tonsils have grown even larger since I got into my 50’s. I never snored until I went on lisinopril for blood pressure about 4 years ago. I have always been a light sleeper since my time in the military and my own snoring wakes me up. LOL!! I will strongly enquire my Dr. to refer me to an ENT surgeon to have my tonsils removed. My youngest son had sleep apnea as a toddler with periods up to 50 seconds of not breathing. His speech was latent and was sleepy most of his young life. I demanded the pediatrician refer him for tonsil removal. After his surgery, his learning sky rocketed, speech improved and was very active throughout the day. It was a success. There is definitely something worth noting about tonsil removal.
Mine was actually the opposite, I used to have this serious migraines since I was younger till I was 28 then I couldn’t handle it any longer wifey told me that my snore has gotten very serious and I stop breathing several times in the night .Realized it was sleep apnea and went to the hospital , I was prescribed the cpap and boy oh boy never slept this good in a long time , my headaches stop but I would love to have other alternatives than the cpap
I have calcification in the ligaments/eagle syndrome, allergic asthma, moderate OSA and a long back tongue. I can't tolerate CPAP, and I'm slightly overweight. My tonsils haven't been examined yet. Where should I begin? No one is as honest as you about how difficult it can be using the CPAP. Thank you for enlightening on alternative treatments!
Hi Vik. As a fellow sleep disorder treatment provider, I certainly found your video informative and an interesting insight in to alternatives to CPAP and MAS therapy. Certainly, the more successful treatments available to combat sleep apnoea the better!
Hi , can you speak about having full dentures? The minute I’m home they come out. That can mean 18!hours a day. They keep getting re-aligned but my bone is disappearing and my bottom jaw is receding. How does this affect things. No one I speak to says it has any effect on the apnea. Tried a c- pap but woke myself up all nigh coughing and had blisters all around my lips and up my nose. Was told to just live with the apnea.
Greetings from India.. I am MBBS and NEET PG aspirant. I would like to thank you and appreciate the way you are educating us. I have suffered from obstructive sleep apnea; however your myofuntional therapy exercises helped me alot and improved my sleep disturbance.I have few doubts and I shall be glad if you clear them. 1. Is there any relation between Uric acid and sleep apnea. 2. Can NSD (nasal septum deviation) cause sleep apnea and snoring.
Thank you! You confirmed and explained everything I've been thinking. I asked a doctor if allergies would affect or complicate my apnea. He said he didn't know and wouldn't suggest any options other than cpap. I found a different doctor and ended up getting a mouth guard that advances my jaw. It works as long as I dont gunk up my nasal passage. I usually do a saline rinse and that helps keep my nasal passage clear.
Hi Vik great video :) I had my tonsils out in 2020 and last week had the back of my tongue shrunk and palet cut away along with a few bones broke in my nose to allow the air sacs to not block my nasal passage. I have also have two septum corrections and turbinate reduction in the past (with in 5 years). I am now a week into my recover from my surgery last week and healing quite well however still sore. I have not felt any benefit yet in my sleep still waking up tired do you think this maybe because the healing process is still going on and things will still be quite blocked ect? Just wondering how long it usually takes to see benefits. I have also been on CPAP three separate times but still didn't feel refreshed from sleep. I am 27 year olds normal build and not overweight ect. Hope you can shed some light thank you
Great stuff! I was snoring before, I had recently my tonsils removed due to "stones" forming causing repeated infections, and I really sleep better since then. The surgeon was skeptical, however after the surgery he did ask me about sleep apnoea. Thanks doctor :)
Super! I was on placement in paediatric surgery last week and a young girl was having a tonsilloadenectomy for her sleep apnoea. The rationale behind it was so sound that I was so confused as to why we’d never been taught about it as a management strategy for adult sleep apnoea.
Don't apologize for the long video. I love watching your videos as they are so informative. I recently received a C-Pap as my apnea was 72 times an hour. I'm 56 and still have my tonsils my Dr. didn't even look at those. I wonder if they are dangling around back there. I'd rather get my tonsils out and not have a C-Pap if that is the case. It's a bit of a struggle getting used to the C-Pap. Keep up the great videos! 👍
I had Hyoid Advancement Surgery about 15 years ago, they took out tonsils, adenoids, and even my uvula, as well as doing the hyoid advancement. I'm 58 now and it was the worst decision I ever made. It took me MONTHS to relearn how to eat because it effects how you swallow. To this day even a tiny glob of saliva that hits a spot in the back of the throat causes me to go into fits of coughing and choking. Also it started a cycle of getting sick because all the protections that are there with tonsils and adenoids are gone so the slightest infection goes straight to the lungs. I never had that issue before the surgery. It also changed my voice and I can't talk very long without something to drink or my throat gets extremely irritated, also never had that issue before surgery. I have not done the Mandibular Advancement Device yet but I really want to try that one. I would recommend that nobody ever go the surgery route, you can NOT undo it and it's horrible. Please explore the other options.
@@brazil7028 I had mine done in Toronto in 1995, back when the Ontario healthcare system was paying for it. On balance I agree with you- it's done nothing to improve my sleep apnea. I also have similar problems to yours, such as hoarseness, constant throat clearing of phlegm, voice "giving out", etc. However, since having my tonsils out, I've noticed a reduction in the number of head and chest colds I've been experiencing. Of course, that could be due þtťĝto newer asthma medication that I'm taking.
I just had my sleep test result. I was diagnosed with Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea Disorder. The recommendations was to buy CPAP or undergo surgery. With your video it help me decide to have surgery instead of having machine connected to my face all night.
I was told to use the CPAP. My mouth was not examined at all. Also, I have post nasal drip and sleep with a slightly elevated head. The apnea test must take place on a flat surface while one is sleeping on the back. Further, my problem was falling asleep. I doubt that at 77, I suddenly developed sleep apnea. So I am so grateful to you. I will see my ENT! No one suggested that. Thanks for making research available. I am in USA but gladly will follow UK research.
Yeah I did a sleep study... I never even saw the doc after. ..just got a report and I googled stuff. The doc was in a rush and didnt even spend time asking ab my lifestyle and gave no tips on mouth exercises or anything. Same ol stuff from doctors...rushing and just part of a money system. These docs can act like they are Gods but they mostly regurgitate and are conduits to sell drugs or machines. Should give tips and advice..but they tend to be robots workin for Big Pharma and relying on old studies. Sad.
Really interesting to hear this, I've tried cpap for 3 years with no success, TMJ issues meant my MAD caused strong headaches. An ENT has given me a nasal spray to try nasal cpap but that doesn't seem to be the issue. They've mentioned base of tongue surgery's but it seems a lottery what hospital and doctor has available (my leeds hospital can't do sleep endoscopy). So Impossible to know if its the right choice. Interestingly I also had my grade 4 tonsils taken out 5 years before I was diagnosed OSA!
@@VikVeerENTSurgeon thanks for the reply Vik! It's taken me a while to get in with the NHS ENT up in Leeds and I'm unfortunately ill with long covid and wheelchair bound at the moment so long journeys are off the cards for now. Didn't realise I could request certain specialists/locations with a referral via the NHS so will keep that in mind. Your videos are super useful for discussions with my ENT up north :)
It’s 12:39 AM and I was meditating as I was ready for sleep when this advertisement came on so I sat up and fully listened. At 54 just 1 week ago today I was told I have sleep apnea and will need a CPAP. I instantly asked if I could also go to an ear nose and throat because I have severe allergies and every night my nose is stopped up. I also have some type of a dysplasia bone issue in my lower chin- jaw, which have caused some shifting, in my face which I believe has impacted and obstructed my breathing, which I am told as an African-American woman it can be common, but it’s untreatable. I do believe that ENT can help reduce or even eliminate some of the snoring and improve my breathing, I do have a humidifieragain I have terrible allergies. I’m prayerful and I’m not overweight more than 7 pounds. I instantly subscribed because I feel this doctor is genuine and passionate about actually helping people and maybe that’s because he’s not in the United States sorry but I think this may have some truth to it.
Vik, the Zeus device ($284.34 AUD itself) and 1 year supply of pads would cost me around $871.99 AUD for the 1st year, and $606.71 each year ongoing. A cpap machine can last several years, along with a mask (except for replacement headgear every so often). Factoring for all the costs associated for both devices, cpap still comes out way ahead. For instance I have a devilbiss machine that is as hardy and reliable as the day I bought it 10 years ago for $800 aud (in 2011) plus a mask for $150. This is why an implantable device would probably be less cost prohibitive, let alone a bunch of simple tongue retainers (or MAD device) It's nice to see technology improving, but the $ has to come down to be justifiable.
I would say this is only a real option if you can't tolerate. I'm glad that CPAP is an option for you, but some people really can't manage it at all. And in some people CPAP makes their sleep apnoea worse. I haven't done my research on the ZEUS device yet, but thank you for telling me the prices. I couldn't get it to work on me because of my beard. I'll let you know in the video - thanks for the heads up.
@@VikVeerENTSurgeon You're welcome. I'm 24 hours out of hospital since my surgery for septoplasty and turbinate reduction. This is thanks to watching your videos months ago, and deciding to really try and do something other than accept Cpap and steroid nasal sprays for the last decade. Really I am quite a common case of modern maxillofacial abnormality due to modern living (industralisation). Palatial expansion in childhood may have helped me, but I just dont have the space in my throat due to the development of my jaw. Several years ago I had my wisdom teeth removed from deep positions, as I simply didn't have any room for them and they were causing problems. I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnoea in 2011 at the age of 28. I had been dismissed by 2 sleep specialists (one male, one female) on examination, then a horrible time using medications for mental illness (they thought I was just mentally ill), including medications used for people with schizophrenia, which someone like me should never be given. I even spent a month in a mental hospital because I thought I really was going crazy. They too dismissed my feelings about feeling like I couldn't sleep and felt like a zombie every day. After going through all that and being highly medicated I asked my doctor why is it was such a big deal to have a sleep study performed, as its not invasive or dangerous and will allow him/I to rules things out. The story I could tell you, unbelievable. I'm lucky I'm alive. *I've always had a BMI under 25, normal healthy physique etc.
Wow they just recognized the role of tonsils for sleep apnoea in UK now? I had both mine removed for sleep apnoea since 6 years old...along with some tissue behind the nose that blocks the airway when sagging.
Vik... you are such a great communicator. It makes perfect sense to remove large tonsils in adults. And as an aside.... I find that breathing retraining is also an excellent tool alongside these other measures.
Where do you go for breathing training. My daughter informed me that I stop breathing in and also when breathing out, but I also do that when I am awake. My Massage therapist and a physiotherapist both have to remind me to breathe. I had my tonsils removed at 18 and I used to have sinus problems but now take an allergy pill every day.
I have been questioning my large tonsils for years to my doctors. They completely dismiss it as having any affect on my sleep apnea and overall health. Glad to see someone is finally sharing common sense in regards to this. Please keep up the good work!
again I am so sorry you've not been given the right advice. speak speak to your doctor and get treated and then feedback to the original doctor who said that to you. we all want to know if we are doing the wrong thing. it will mean they don't make the mistake again.
Hi Jerry I had my tonsils out in 2020 as they were very large and althought didn't help with the fatigue and not feeling refreshed it definitely took away any snoring so glad I went throught with it.
@@VikVeerENTSurgeon I have huge tonsils too...and was diagnosed with mild OSA and prescribed a CPAP....as they felt that the recovery from a tonsillectomy will be very difficult for a 45 year old. What's your opinion on this?
@@RyOpenEye How long did it take to heal? Do you sleep better now & What side effects after the surgery did you have I've heard that people don't get sick as much and not many Allergies now...
I am not a doctor, but I am of the opinion that sleep apnea seems to trouble people as they age, especially women at the menopause. Why? hormone loss. especially estrogen for women, it firms the tissues and keeps them from sagging. so saggy throat ladies! I was diagnosed with apnea, but a mild form, asi 5.9. they treated it with cpap, pressure 8. hated it but used it faithfully. I never felt better nor did I sleep better or feel rested after several months of use. Then I saw a naturopath. I went on Hormone replacement, including estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid, all bio identical. within a few weeks, my life did a 180, I started feeling great, cpap events were zero, so they lowered it down to 6, then I got off it altogether.
hmmm sounds like a wrong diagnosis from the start. I'm very sorry that you were messed around. I would tell the original doctor, I'm sure they will want to know. yes women catch up rapidly with the boys at menopause as the their hormones keep them elasticity and springy. that goes with the change.
Lone Ranger thank you for your comment I am same in menopause and having sleep issues and doctor suspects sleep apnea due to menopause. I just found me a doctor that specializes in HRT...so happy your sleep issues were resolved!!
Good video, it seems my sleep doctors arent familiar with the new guidelines as they told me there is no surgeries available on the NHS but your video mentions there is around 42 of them. ill be mentioning that next time I go.
I’ve been having issues with my right nostril closing up at night when laying down, making CPAP harder to use. My dentist said I have large tonsils. My Dr. told me to not worry about it unless there’s signs of tonsillitis. I’m going to ask for a referral to an ENT. Thanks for the info
Hi Dr. In regards to MAD, what are your thoughts on this. i read somewhere that eventually by putting that pressure on upper teeth/upper jaw, that it can potentially push it back and make the airway smaller over time. has there been any clinical evidence or research on this?
I've not heard that, however poorly prescribed MAD can result in abnormal bite position. this is really a question for the dentists as I don't like to comment on other people's line of work.
I’ve been diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea. I was suffering from post fatigue illness after becoming ill December 23. Long Covid was first mentioned because of the symptoms I was experiencing, Eight months down the line a doctor decided I may have sleep apnea. I have never experienced the symptoms of sleep apnea and honestly don’t believe I have it. I was given a cpap machine to use and I believe it has made matters worse, ie keeps me awake, running nose, bloated feeling and I have gained weight. My symptoms have barely changed from January 2024. I have gone from a man earning very renumeration and working long hours to provide for my family to an embarrassed worthless individual.
Great video so informative Thank You so much for making these videos. I always noticed that when i woke up i had such a hard time breathing thru my nose. but just as u said, when i got up n walked around n def after showering, i just felt more open n less congested/pressure. I used flonase for a while, it sort of helped but not too much. i also didnt want to use it forever so i stopped. i try to use a neti pot before sleep it helps but no matter what when i wake up i struggle to breath thru my nose. i always wondered if theres a solution to this as i feel it contributes to my poor sleep to some extent.
Hi Vik. Could you please explain this surgery for sleep apnea you are talking about in more detail? What exactly is it, and how's it performed? What are possible complications, and are there long-term positive experiences? Is it painful like tonsillectomy, etc.
Recently sought diagnosis for apparent sleep apnoea. On the waiting list for sleep study. Its ruining my life right now. The snoring has wedged distance in the relationship with my partner as weve slept seperate now for 2 years. To top it off, it has now seemingly merged with my sleep paralysis disorder. Now, up to 10 times in one night I wake up paralysed, fully aware of the room and cannot breath nor stir myself to bring myself out of it. Sometimes I'm not breathing and paralysed for long enough to once awake gasp for air for the next 5 mins as if I've been strangled. It now causing me severe anxiety. Panic attacks daily and I'm lost with waht to do until the sleep study and treatment ensues. I'm going to try your excercises religiously. I will update you with my progress. Thank you so much for your videos Chris
Mouth and tongue exercises, good diet, exercise, and breathing techniques to slow beathing. That is the non drug approach and non device approach. Need to open airway..narrower causes faster breathing and hyperventilation.. Slow down the breathing. Need to get healthy...do healthier things and workout tongue and mouth. Things r usually ab getting healthy but takes thought and time. Medical field just prescribes drugs and doesnt even ask ab diet or lifestyle much. More ab making money. And btw I use nasal spray every night...have to. Nose gets inflamed every evening...every single evening...need the generic Afrin. I used to use Nasacort..but that doesnt work as well.
Dust mite allergy. Who knew it was a silent killer? I don't snore but I'm up 4x a night and can't sleep more than 5,6 hours. I do have severe allergies to dust mites, cigarette smoke, house dust, etc. Thank you DR. Need to get an air filter for my bedroom.
I come from a family of sleep apnea sufferers, and got to the point of having to buy a CPAP as I was waking up from choking. I didn't want to do this! I did some research, and here's how I completely cured my sleep apnea. I began to exercise everyday and quit all between meal snacks and cut out all refined foods, sugar and alcohol. In three months my weight returned to normal, and after that my sleep apnea was gone. Today I rarely even snore! I am still eating only a whole food diet and don't drink alcohol. I also still hit the gym 4 days a week and walk daily. Sleep apnea is now a thing of the past for me!
Thanks for valuable advice to share with us Sir !
I"m trying to achieve the same result. I've lost weight. I don't drink or smoke. Eat well, still enjoy sugary food.
Thank you for sharing
@@Simon-pl2zi great to hear you got rid of this debilitating disease, are there any specific exercise la that helped you?
@@Simon-pl2zi hi Simon ! Please tell us more ! I’m suffering so much i wake up exausted and ashamed of loudly snoring ! In your cases loosing weight was all it took ?
Great news.. It took me failing off my bike and breaking my jaw for kings college to offer surgery to fix that but also fix my sleep apnea. CPAP is absolutely terrible especially if youre below 33 and single
Vik Veer is not only a top surgeon, but his powers of communication with this tricky subject are so very good... I just hope he is a teacher and lecturer to medical students, as part of his work.
I just got my new Cpap machine. The first thing I’ve learned to do is get on youtube and learn how to get into the therapeutic menu (usually blocked for patients) and turn down the maximum level of flow to 10 from 16 to stop it from blasting my face with to much air. It never wakes me up after doing this yet my events per hour are about 0.2.
My doctor didn’t seem that concerned about my waking up in the night gasping for breath or my frequent urinating at night . I even mentioned it to my dentist his reply was sleep face down . I was stressed so self diagnosed sleep apnea. Bought a cpap machine with great difficulty but now I have excellent sleep all night no getting up to pee .
thank you so much Dr Veer. I have struggled with the CPAP machine as I have allergies and usually have a blocked nose at night, and I am a mouth breather. Thank you for this information, I will call the doctor on seeing the ENT and the dentist as my next steps. Thanks.
Im in Australia and my GP refused to refer me to a ENT specialist even after my sleep study of 50 events per hour. CPAP was the only recommended therapy. It's a money making scheme because the CPAP suppliers are incentivised to sell as many machines as possible. The Western medical system is set up to mask symptoms and not treat root cause in a majority of cases, sad.
Go to another doctor
It's so good of you to make these wonderfully informative videos Mr. Veer - your knowledge, skill, enthusiasm - and humility - is truly encouraging. Many thanks!
Hi Vik the referral has been done today from my doctor. I can not thank you enough.
Thank you so much for this update, you have given me some hope for the future. In Ireland it seems to be CPAP or nothing.
Since we are closely affiliated I would offer a copy of the guidelines to your team and see what they say. Most of us all know this, but often it is forgotten.
I wish you were my doctor. I was diagnosed with OSA two years ago after waking up exhausted most mornings, my GP sent me to see a respiratory specialist who sent me to see an ENT specialist who did look in my nose, informed me I severe deviated septum and them just handed me a business card for his dietitian mate. The number of times I was handballed to someone else was extremely annoying, I was definitely being shoved along the CPAP route, which is where I am now, an expensive piece of kit sits beside the bed not being used.
I had Turbinate reduction surgery I also snore. I'm definitely going to see my ENT for advice on the guidelines in the US. Thanks for the video.
Mine was actually the opposite, I used to have this serious migraines since I was younger till I was 28 then I couldn’t handle it any longer wifey told me that my snore has gotten very serious and I stop breathing several times in the night .Realized it was sleep apnea and went to the hospital , I was prescribed the cpap and boy oh boy never slept this good in a long time , my headaches stop but I would love to have other alternatives than the cpap
It would be great if you can do a video on advice for sleep disorders caused by nervous system damage/restlessness such as from physical assault. Not every sleep problem is obstruction based.
Review your lifestyle, cut the carbs and strart intermittent fasting. I recommend you check out the Carnivore Diet, look up Dr. Shawn Baker and Dr. Ken D. Berry, they have lots of videos on TH-cam.
Vik is an ear, nose and throat surgeon. Sleep apnoea is something he treats regularly due to his speciality. Sleep disorders due to other causes are not.
Thank you for all you do, Dr. Veer - everything you have here is so very informative.
I am working (slowly) on trying to cure my sleep apnea, through maxillary expansion and repositioning of the mandible so that the TMJs are properly centered. So far the process is going rather well, and in a follow-up in-lab study recently my supine AHI had dropped by over 50% and my diseases was reclassified from "severe" to "mild, positional."
However, I know that at least a reasonable portion of the remainder of my OSA is due to chronic rhinits which creates too much nasal airway resistance. I had a septoplasty about 9 months ago to correct a mild deviation, septal perforation, septal spur pushing into a turbinate, and crushing a small concha bullosa. But even after that, there's still a congested feeling and my surgeon noted during my most recent checkup that the mucosa tissue just generally seemed inflamed on the turbinates, the septum, the lateral wall, just kind of everywhere.
Any suggestions on methods to try to attack that? Historically medications haven't done much, but we've talked about giving those another try. I'm seeing things like Rhinaer and Clarifix as a means to try to attack the posterior nasal nerve under the assumption it's gone a bit hyperactive and they're trying to calm it down - but cautious about those since they are both new. Would love to get any additional thoughts you might have ... as I really think the remainder of my OSA is tied up in the nasal cavity.
I'm very boring when it comes to these things. I check for allergies and infections (RAST and skin prick tests with swabs for bacteria and fungi), and if there is nothing there I encourage nasal breathing (mouth taping all day - and night if safe), and loads of salty water douche. if possible live by the sea / swim in the sea for as long as possible. I'm assuming they have done the Dymista thing as well?
Generally it is an infection (especially fungal if everything seems red and angry including the septum), and therefore I remember to give at least 2 months of antifungal cream.
If it is just turbinate hypertrophy then I radiofrequency that.
Personally I'm not a fan of disturbing the nerves or function of the nose, but I am in a minority when it comes to that. I even seem to care about Nitric Oxide and make my openings in sinuses less than 8mm to retain the gas produced. Not sure if it does anything, but we must be making that stuff for a reason.
This is a silly comment - I will stop now. sorry.
@@VikVeerENTSurgeon Hello, i know a year has passed since this reply, but a turbinate reduction couldnt help with chronic rihinitis or chronic rhinitis + inflamed turbinates?
Thank you Dr.
You are a legend.
Doctor, I am a fan, you make things very clear. Thanks.
This is really interesting. I was diagnosed with osa about 9 years ago and have been using cpap since then. I use it every night but still don't feel refreshed. I've suffered with nasal blockages since I was a child, had some soft tissue removed in my teens to help this, also suffering with fur and house dust allergies. I've always felt like my throat is full of catah, but wonder now if it might be enlarged tonsils. At night my nostrils can become blocked, it not unusual for one to be completely blocked, such that none of the cpap air will pass through. I'd love to be free of cpap and to wake refreshed.
I am the same I don’t feel refreshed or anything. Just told use cpap. I must admit the pillow mask is better then the full face. But I still feel tired.
Just get checked out - it doesn't hurt to be checked out. you may in the end decide to stay as you are, but at least you know what your options are.
Stopping dairies can help you to avoid your nose to be blocked
How much of a role do you think facial structure plays in sleep disorders? I feel that recessed jaws can narrow the upper airway in some, and particularly patients with a normal BMI. I am interested to hear your thoughts on this.
it causes an issue - and we mostly know this from people who have severe deformities. Hard to work out when we should intervene though. lots of research needed in all aspects of sleep apnoea.
Very interesting! Two questions if you'd be so kind: 1. If i go to my GP tomorrow, and explain my sleep apnea condition, are they still likely to advise trying a CPAP.... BEFORE tonsil removal?
And 2. Do you think jaw surgery will soon become available on the NHS for those with underdeveloped mandibles (thus having smaller airway volume)? It seems to be an increasingly popular procedure..
Thanks for the interesting content!
1. if they don't you can furnish them with a copy of the NICE guidelines to help them. most people aren't up to date yet on them. it must be very hard for GPs to keep up to date with everything all the time.
2. it has been available for years. most hospitals with a MaxFax service offer it. Jonathan Collier in central London and Ms Papa in Essex are my go to people near me.
@@VikVeerENTSurgeon Interesting. So why do people choose to pay and go abroad for it..? Is it simply to avoid year-long wait times?
I have also heard that the UK doesn't have the best track record for such procedures... and to be honest from what I've seen of websites, they very rarely show clear before and after pictures..quite infuriating to have no idea of what they're capable of..
@@cristoff3 I'm English and off to see Professor Alfaro in Barcelona. Wait times are ridiculous in the UK, try like 3 to 5 years.
Also a few prominent maxillofacial surgeons in the UK wanted to shave my chin where as Dr Kasey Li and Alfaro told me not too it would be ridiculous. The movements they were proposing would not be as good as what was quoted by Alfaro also. Should look at the BIRD study to get an idea how much mm is a cure rate.
Thank you Vik, this is very useful for me.
I am Very interested with your explanation. Many doctors in my country seems avoid surgery rather than recomending Cpap. I think I will choose for surgery rather than using my CPAP. Need to know about the cost for that.. your information very detail and logic for me...
Did you do surgery??
There is a pill in the testing stages now that will be used for sleep apnea.
my glaucoma doctor did not care if I had sleep apnea. Still have tonsils, too. Would like to do something difference. My nasal passages will close up within 2 hours. My respect for Doctors in sleep apnea is as low as it is for the AMA. I wake up with congested nose. I sit up, wait for it to clear, lie down, and try to go asleep. And my personal physician has long since retired and the 3 subsequent doctors (and their health care corporations) just seem to be interested in sleep tests (torture) and selling the latest CPAP gizmos.
thanks for your video, is very logic and good explanation. from Dominican Rep.
Have surgery in a week , getting my tonsils out due to enlargement, was diagnosed with sleep apnea few months ago , hope this resolves the problem.
Updates?
I’m curious what your thoughts are regarding double jaw surgery for sleep apnoea treatment. My current opinion is that a lot of people who struggle with OSA/UARS would benefit from correcting the skeletal discrepancies of the jaws that cause a small airway. I wish more doctors would focus on fixing the bony structure to create more airway space, rather than just removing soft tissues.
I have done a video on it. th-cam.com/video/aJ_SelpUu6Q/w-d-xo.html
I also mention that good maxfax surgeons will ask for the soft tissue to be sorted first before they deal with the bony work.
thanks for responding and sharing that video! I'll take a look. That's interesting to know that.@@VikVeerENTSurgeon
I’m surprised the video and no where in the comments did anyone mention that having your tonsils out as an adult is a whole other bag than a child . I’m an adult not only is it a lot bloodier but it’s considered a much more dangerous surgery than in a child!
I’ve tried a mandibular advancement device a few years ago. It made my jaw hurt and it felt like it was moving my teeth out of alignment.
My 18 year old son was diagnosed with mild sleep apnoea. He had a septoplasty and turbinectomy last year and was meant to have his tonsils removed this month but due to high number of COVID patients in hospitals, elective surgeries have been put on hold (in Victoria, Australia). I'm a little relieved to hear you say "if you have large tonsils, have them removed" because his tonsils have never given him a problem, no more than two case of tonsillitis during childhood. and I've been worrying him undergoing unnecessary surgery. On the other hand, I have been diagnosed with severe sleep apnoea, my septum is straight, turbinates small but have I narrow nasal passages. My ENT's report said "severe narrowing of retroglossal airway by bulky base of tongue and posteriorly displaced and flattened epiglottis" Ugh, looks like I just have to persevere with the CPAP which I use 80% of the time.
The only good excuse to remove tonsils is because they are causing sleep apnoea. recurrent infections is hard as it often gets better with time so it is rather difficult to make a decision on this. Hopefully it'll all be good in the end. good luck!
Because tonsil removal surgery gets increasingly dangerous as you get older. The tonsil tissue grows further and further down your throat towards the major artery. When removing it it could possibly tear or rupture of the artery and you would bleed out on the operating table. There would be nothing they could do to close it back up and save you.
well actually with chronic infections there is a layer of fibrotic tissue that forms in the tonsillar plane (like scar tissue). that's what makes it harder to operate on. I've never heard of any one damaging the carotid in a tonsillectomy. you would need to cut through the muscles of the throat to get there. I didn't manage to damage this artery even when I was a cancer surgeon and the cancer was near the carotid. the operation is more painful as you get older though.
It’s called Maxillofacial-mandibular advancement
great info, thanks
I have an unusually large tonsil on one side that my GP is keeping an eye on. I've had two ENTs look at it. I told them all I snore and worry about OSA, but they won't recommend a sleep study so I don't have a diagnosis. Surgery is scary, though. I'm pretty sure I was snoring before my enlarged tonsil showed up. For reference, it is big enough that it nearly touches my uvula.
Just about everything you said about CPAP is flat wrong. I have been using one since the mid 90's. For one, I have saver allergies and I can be almost totally blocked when I put on my mask and within a few minutes I can breath through my nose well enough to sleep. The trick is to use nose pillows, not the mask. Also use the water tank. Another thing is to have the pressure set right. not to high, not to low. Only you can know the right setting, doctors don't know squat. I had my tonsils out when I was a child and it did nothing to help my apnea what so ever. As for any other kind of surgery, everyone I know who has had it told me they would never do it again, plus there apnea came back. As for an appliance to keep your jaw forward? In my case it only made me drown in saliva all night long. No workie.
I have never had my Tonsils removed . I was diagnosed with sleep apnea years ago . They quickly pushed the CPAP which I could never fall asleep with it on. I now just deal with being tired all the time . If I go back to the doctor's. I would like to look into surgery and having my Tonsils removed. I also have a stuffed nose which I think is also a problem .
I've had my tonsils, my uvula, part of my soft pallate removed, my deviated septum fixed, tried a Mandibular Advancement Device, and CPAP. None of it has really worked for me to fix my Apnea... its depressing.
You are great doctor I like your way of explanation , by the way one of relatives called Shaden 5 years old with her parents will be in London for nearly one year I already tell them about you very soon they will see you,, good luck and I wish you always the best 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
Thank you for your kind words
Thanks
I have a CCC level 2 problem, tonsils are okay, no lateral collapse. Do you do barbed pharyngoplasty in the UK? I heard this may really help. I don't know the cost for foreigners, but I'd consider going to your clinic.
Thanks for the great info! Do you know if the USA has a similar guideline? A lot of doctors here also only prescribe cpap. I had to fight really hard to get MAD.
Thank you for this x
20 years ago my father had his soft pallete removed to treat his snoring. I'm struggling with the same but have had no surgery. Where can I start with technology options in the US?
I have the issue you described where one of my nostrils gets partially clogged when I’m sleeping, which makes it difficult to breathe at night. I’ve tried the nasal spray for a few weeks and no luck. Any other suggestions?
it normally takes 4-6 weeks, but if no joy after full treatment (see my video on how to take nasal sprays correctly), then speak to your GP, you might have a deviation.
@@VikVeerENTSurgeon I watched the video and it was really helpful! Hopeful that that clears things up. Thank you!
@@VikVeerENTSurgeon I also have this problem, and I be tried literally everything to no avail... My blocked nose 🐽 occur due to nasql polyps .I be been using cayenne pepper tea and it's helping... However I still wake up at night with clogged nose and racing heartbeat.. it's having massive toll in my life
I have tried Sudafed, Afrin and Flonase nasal sprays, the only thing that helps me is Vicks Vapo-Rub. Just a little in each nostril.
Vik, you reviewed the iNap machine but have you had any experience of the Wellue iBreeze APAP/Auto CPAP Machine? Thanks. Phil
Discovering the cause of apnea and hypopneas - the cause of blockages or restrictions- anatomically! This can be done lying supine using 3D imaging while the patient is actually sleeping to determine what actually is causing the sleep apnea!
I was just told I have mild sleep apnea, does mild apnea require the cpap machine? I would hate to have to wear that thing :( I don’t ever usually wake during the night so idk. I’m also normal weight for my height. I am really wondering if my chronic post nasal drip could be causing it and the mucus in the back on my throat blocking my airway? Thanks
I have a deviated septum and be een 90 mouth breathing my whole life i feel like hell
What are your thoughts for double jaw surgery for UARS and apnea? I think I need to book an appointment with you as I need a sleep study done, But considering jaw surgery for breathing and aesthetics
If your tonsils were removed as a child, and you still have chronic sleep apnea even in middle age, and can't wear that mandibular device due to painful teeth, is there an option? My cpap works OK but all through the night the mask leaks and I have to keep adjusting it, which doesn't help sleeping! Also I am not a fan of surgery. I live in NZ but am currently in India for family reasons. What suggestions would you have? Is enlarged heart due to sleep apnea as well? Obesity I know. Thanks for your amazing videos!
So I have a small jaw, a deviated septum, big tonsils and snore terribly. In my sleep study they said I stopped breathing 32 times an hour. Would a sleep endoscopy tell you why I snore so bad?
I would think so - but if you have a lot to be getting on with already - why not speak to an ENT surgeon and see what can be done. The nose would be my first point.
yep remove tonsils the best defence against illness. My wife has no tonsils but still has sleep apnea
How can we order ZEUS?
I keep getting blocked sinuses causing headaches tried sterimar etc even had some bone taken from one nostril very painful! Any advice
What do you think about UPPP + hyoid advancement/suspension as first-line treatment for moderate to severe apnea (not significantly improved by a MAD)?
I'm not a fan of either I'm afraid. I'll certainly never do, or never have done a UPPP.
@@VikVeerENTSurgeon Why not? In particular why not the hyoid suspension?
Hello Doctor Vik. I m from India. I want ur guidance sir. Recently my mom(85yrs,72kg) is diagnosed with sleep apnea. Her AHI was 41. Here Dr. suggested to buy Auto CPAP. I checked online.. BMC and RESMED both companies' Auto Cpap is available. But with huge price difference.. from 22500 to 75000!! Sir I m so confused which one to buy BMC/RESMED? Here some vendors says BMC is not good as RESMED. Can you please guide me? If u wish, i can mail u my moms reports too. Thank you.
(We had borrowed Resmed Airsense10 for 10days, after that my mom's AHI goes down to 1.5)
Sir .. pl suggest best machine for my mom.
Which machine you bought now?
Charity or no, NFTs aren't the way to go.
Can bad back posture cause apnea ?
How to treat shrink enlarged adenoids tonsils and turbinates? Would homeopathic work?
I had my tonsils removed when I was six and I have a deviated septum, I wonder if there is something to be done and what is your opinion on the laser surgeries for sleep apnea that are offered around the world? Thank you for sharing your knowledge!!
that's a big video. on the whole the evidence isn't good for LAUP and I don't do it. there are some laser operations that work better but I am not keen on them for lots of reasons.
Vik do you have a email. I have had 3 studies done my results are different each time. I am on cpap now. I am tall slim. And confused 🤷🏻♂️Based in UK am on NHS but thinking going private through Nuffield or Bupa.
Sadly medical insurance will not cover it. Happy to see you on the NHS at the RNENTH. ask your GP to refer you.
Vik I am on the NHS waiting times for EBT is 18 month in Staffordshire. I can travel anywhere. I will ask for doctor to do a refferel as I have followed you and you know what you are doing
Vik what is the hospital please
Hi Vik I got doctor to do the refer to you for your attention.
You made me cry. I have suffered years. Cpap doesn't work. High BP. Exhausted all the time. I am taking the NICE guidelines to my next appointment. Thank you so much for putting this information out there.
Try satvic movement. Search for "satvic movement sleep apnea"
Most doctors are idiots because medical school drains the creativity and curiosity out of them. How many people who are creative want to go through the crazy medical school curriculum? When people stop thinking they do a bad job of ANY job.
How are you doing? Do you / did you have large tonsils?
@@baddadmaddad7438 hii
I have a question, does sleep apnea causes high BP or
High BP causes sleep apnea???
As I have postpartum high BP and sometimes I suffer from sleep apnea
After a sleep study indicating OSA, why not perform a Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy to actually see, in real time, where the obstruction is? Otherwise, you're guessing correct? Is the obstruction nasal? Soft palette? Tonsils? Tongue? Throat collapse? I've been on this merry-go-round for 30 years.......
I agree. My blockage is behind the nasal cavity. Mucus builds up and has a hard time draining away when I lie down. I have tried to explain it but my ENT specialist doesn’t really seem to get it. I am going to see someone else shortly to see if widening the nose holes will help, but I am not really convinced this is treating the source. Then again nasal sprays have had limited effectiveness either.
Me too, nasal congestion, deviate ear septum… c paps suck
@@plan4life I had septoplasty in dec 2021 unfortunately it offers only temporary relief then i do have severe nasal congestion my nose is blocked when lying down i used the room humidifier that gives me relief for a couple of months then now it is no longer helping again, I cant even use my cpap now because there is no way for the air to come in i ended up sleepless,tired eventhough i have to work in days...i am wondering if leaving Manhattan NYC can help because when i was in tropical country vacationing i dont have issues with nasal congestion😔😔😔
@@joetraveler5609 So what is septoplasty? I have been offered a 20 min op which removes part of the inner nose which collects the mucus. Is that septoplasty? They did already numb it to test if it would help and concluded it would have little effect. Then again I was sitting upright and this was during the day so it wasn’t a real life situation. Having done yet another sleep test (3 in 12 months!) they have concluded that my problem is my sleep routine and that I sleep too much during the day (duh, it’s called catch-up sleep) and that I am to blame for most of my sleep problems and that I should wear an mra (brace) again. So I am back to square 1 and where I was 10 years ago and they are no longer asdressing the problem in my nose.
I have told them so many times I have a feeling certain foods seem to exacerbate the problem (maybe sugar and caffeine?) and my weight has increased the problems and that I have worse issues in the Summer months. All of this seems irrelevant to them.
We also have had a humidifier in the bedroom but I seemed to get both positive and negative results so I am not convinced it helped at all. Tried an air purifier with special filter (can’t remember the name - hepa??) but again no conclusive results. Tried eliminating sugar for a day from my diet but no definite improvement even though if I have a sweet dessert in the evening for instance the problems seem considerably worse. I seldom drink caffeine (coffee, tea and chocolate) anymore as I am almost certain this creates unrest in my brain and my legs and possibly blocks my nose even more.
I am so frustrated. This problem has caused my weight to plummet, I now have diabetes and have to take blood pressure tablets, I have almost zero energy but have been told to avoid sleeping during the day and get more exercise. 😡 oh and to eat less.. even though I hardly eat anything for the first two meals of the day and eat a normal meal at the end of the day. Talk about banging your head against a brick wall.
I am fascinated when you say you get no problem with nasal congestion in a tropical environment. So that would be a hot, moist environment? Do you, normally speaking, have airco at night? And on holiday?
Edit: oh can I ask too, do nasal sprays help? They don’t much for me and sometimes actually make it worse. Do you have more problems sleeping on one side than the other? I avoid sleeping on my right side as the problems are considerably worse. And do you frequently wake up in a panic because of the inability to breathe? Curious how it affects you most.
Thank you.
This is good to hear. I was diagnosed with mild OSA 4 years ago. I never have issues sleeping but it's my snoring which my wife constantly complained about which saw me exiled to the spare bedroom, thus promting me to see my doctor. After a home sleep study I was given a CPAP device. At first it was great, the snoring stopped and my wife once again tolerated me in the bedroom, however........I just can't tolerate using CPAP! The majority of times I wake up several times in the night having to readjust the mask due to air blasting my eyes just as you described in your video (beard or not, same results).
Not once in my talks with the sleep clinic was my nose/mouth ever checked out. I'm constantly blowing my nose everyday for years and I vaguely remember my dentist once saying I had an overgrown soft pallette, whether or not that is a cause for snoring I don't know!
I now work overseas, only use my CPAP if I'm home and me n the wife are forced to share a room i.e when visiting relatives or hotels etc.
I would love it if there was some form of magic surgery to fix me. Your video has inspired me to go back to my sleep clinic next time I'm home in the hope for some alternative remedy so thankyou.
Consider me your newest subscriber 🙂
try using a pillow or nasal mask......much better than full face mask
min pressure 4 max pressure 7 humidity 4 or 5
Yes, an elongated soft palette does cause snoring and apnea-even in dogs!
In dogs it's a pretty straightforward procedure that brings instant relief
Pretty sure there's a soft palette surgery you could try
This is great news. I suspect for many it would still be a struggle to convince their GPs that there are solutions other than the bog-standard CPAP. My sleep apnea is due to a complex set of issues, but having my tonsils removed has allowed me to come off the CPAP. I was on CPAP for 10 years, and even then, having terrible nights at times, waking up with a splitting headache. I haven't experienced that since the operation. Thanks, Mr Veer!
So glad you are okay. hope to see you soon.
I could not make it through the stupid required sleep study for the evaluation to use a CPAP. All those stupid wires glued to your head, straps tight across your chest and more glued leads on your legs. My tonsils have grown even larger since I got into my 50’s. I never snored until I went on lisinopril for blood pressure about 4 years ago. I have always been a light sleeper since my time in the military and my own snoring wakes me up. LOL!! I will strongly enquire my Dr. to refer me to an ENT surgeon to have my tonsils removed. My youngest son had sleep apnea as a toddler with periods up to 50 seconds of not breathing. His speech was latent and was sleepy most of his young life. I demanded the pediatrician refer him for tonsil removal. After his surgery, his learning sky rocketed, speech improved and was very active throughout the day. It was a success. There is definitely something worth noting about tonsil removal.
Mine was actually the opposite, I used to have this serious migraines since I was younger till I was 28 then I couldn’t handle it any longer wifey told me that my snore has gotten very serious and I stop breathing several times in the night .Realized it was sleep apnea and went to the hospital , I was prescribed the cpap and boy oh boy never slept this good in a long time , my headaches stop but I would love to have other alternatives than the cpap
Is this true? Did removing the tonsils really work for you? Im desperately looking for a solution
I know it was well worth it after you healed... but how long did it take post operation to experience benefits? Was it immediate?
I have calcification in the ligaments/eagle syndrome, allergic asthma, moderate OSA and a long back tongue. I can't tolerate CPAP, and I'm slightly overweight. My tonsils haven't been examined yet. Where should I begin? No one is as honest as you about how difficult it can be using the CPAP. Thank you for enlightening on alternative treatments!
Your channel has helped me in one hour more than many doctors and remedies for years! Thanks a lot!
amazing that you've spent an hour watching me - i'm honoured!
Hi Vik. As a fellow sleep disorder treatment provider, I certainly found your video informative and an interesting insight in to alternatives to CPAP and MAS therapy. Certainly, the more successful treatments available to combat sleep apnoea the better!
These therapies do not fix the root cause. What is that? What to do about it?
@@harry356 Hi Harry, check out these two videos:
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Hi , can you speak about having full dentures?
The minute I’m home they come out. That can mean 18!hours a day. They keep getting re-aligned but my bone is disappearing and my bottom jaw is receding. How does this affect things. No one I speak to says it has any effect on the apnea. Tried a c- pap but woke myself up all nigh coughing and had blisters all around my lips and up my nose. Was told to just live with the apnea.
Greetings from India.. I am MBBS and NEET PG aspirant. I would like to thank you and appreciate the way you are educating us.
I have suffered from obstructive sleep apnea; however your myofuntional therapy exercises helped me alot and improved my sleep disturbance.I have few doubts and I shall be glad if you clear them.
1. Is there any relation between Uric acid and sleep apnea.
2. Can NSD (nasal septum deviation) cause sleep apnea and snoring.
Thank you! You confirmed and explained everything I've been thinking. I asked a doctor if allergies would affect or complicate my apnea. He said he didn't know and wouldn't suggest any options other than cpap. I found a different doctor and ended up getting a mouth guard that advances my jaw. It works as long as I dont gunk up my nasal passage. I usually do a saline rinse and that helps keep my nasal passage clear.
Glad it was helpful!
Hi Vik great video :) I had my tonsils out in 2020 and last week had the back of my tongue shrunk and palet cut away along with a few bones broke in my nose to allow the air sacs to not block my nasal passage. I have also have two septum corrections and turbinate reduction in the past (with in 5 years). I am now a week into my recover from my surgery last week and healing quite well however still sore. I have not felt any benefit yet in my sleep still waking up tired do you think this maybe because the healing process is still going on and things will still be quite blocked ect? Just wondering how long it usually takes to see benefits. I have also been on CPAP three separate times but still didn't feel refreshed from sleep. I am 27 year olds normal build and not overweight ect. Hope you can shed some light thank you
Support your adrenals
Did that improve in the year since the surgery?
Yeah how is it now ?
Great stuff! I was snoring before, I had recently my tonsils removed due to "stones" forming causing repeated infections, and I really sleep better since then. The surgeon was skeptical, however after the surgery he did ask me about sleep apnoea.
Thanks doctor :)
Super! I was on placement in paediatric surgery last week and a young girl was having a tonsilloadenectomy for her sleep apnoea. The rationale behind it was so sound that I was so confused as to why we’d never been taught about it as a management strategy for adult sleep apnoea.
I agree - it never made sense. it is all about common sense and finally I think we are getting there.
Don't apologize for the long video. I love watching your videos as they are so informative. I recently received a C-Pap as my apnea was 72 times an hour. I'm 56 and still have my tonsils my Dr. didn't even look at those. I wonder if they are dangling around back there. I'd rather get my tonsils out and not have a C-Pap if that is the case. It's a bit of a struggle getting used to the C-Pap. Keep up the great videos! 👍
I had Hyoid Advancement Surgery about 15 years ago, they took out tonsils, adenoids, and even my uvula, as well as doing the hyoid advancement. I'm 58 now and it was the worst decision I ever made. It took me MONTHS to relearn how to eat because it effects how you swallow. To this day even a tiny glob of saliva that hits a spot in the back of the throat causes me to go into fits of coughing and choking. Also it started a cycle of getting sick because all the protections that are there with tonsils and adenoids are gone so the slightest infection goes straight to the lungs. I never had that issue before the surgery. It also changed my voice and I can't talk very long without something to drink or my throat gets extremely irritated, also never had that issue before surgery. I have not done the Mandibular Advancement Device yet but I really want to try that one. I would recommend that nobody ever go the surgery route, you can NOT undo it and it's horrible. Please explore the other options.
@@brazil7028 I had mine done in Toronto in 1995, back when the Ontario healthcare system was paying for it. On balance I agree with you- it's done nothing to improve my sleep apnea. I also have similar problems to yours, such as hoarseness, constant throat clearing of phlegm, voice "giving out", etc. However, since having my tonsils out, I've noticed a reduction in the number of head and chest colds I've been experiencing. Of course, that could be due þtťĝto newer asthma medication that I'm taking.
I just had my sleep test result. I was diagnosed with Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea Disorder. The recommendations was to buy CPAP or undergo surgery. With your video it help me decide to have surgery instead of having machine connected to my face all night.
Did you end up doing the surgery? Did it work? Any down sides? What surgery was it? I just got diagnosed. :/
I was told to use the CPAP. My mouth was not examined at all. Also, I have post nasal drip and sleep with a slightly elevated head. The apnea test must take place on a flat surface while one is sleeping on the back. Further, my problem was falling asleep. I doubt that at 77, I suddenly developed sleep apnea. So I am so grateful to you. I will see my ENT! No one suggested that. Thanks for making research available. I am in USA but gladly will follow UK research.
Yeah I did a sleep study... I never even saw the doc after. ..just got a report and I googled stuff. The doc was in a rush and didnt even spend time asking ab my lifestyle and gave no tips on mouth exercises or anything. Same ol stuff from doctors...rushing and just part of a money system. These docs can act like they are Gods but they mostly regurgitate and are conduits to sell drugs or machines. Should give tips and advice..but they tend to be robots workin for Big Pharma and relying on old studies. Sad.
Really interesting to hear this, I've tried cpap for 3 years with no success, TMJ issues meant my MAD caused strong headaches. An ENT has given me a nasal spray to try nasal cpap but that doesn't seem to be the issue. They've mentioned base of tongue surgery's but it seems a lottery what hospital and doctor has available (my leeds hospital can't do sleep endoscopy). So Impossible to know if its the right choice.
Interestingly I also had my grade 4 tonsils taken out 5 years before I was diagnosed OSA!
Happy to see you on the NHS if you want? just ask for a referral. The Hospital isn't too far from Kings Cross.
@@VikVeerENTSurgeon thanks for the reply Vik! It's taken me a while to get in with the NHS ENT up in Leeds and I'm unfortunately ill with long covid and wheelchair bound at the moment so long journeys are off the cards for now. Didn't realise I could request certain specialists/locations with a referral via the NHS so will keep that in mind. Your videos are super useful for discussions with my ENT up north :)
I will be doing that with my doctor Vik a referral ASAP
@@VikVeerENTSurgeon pls i need to see you too. Who do i ask for a referral.
It’s 12:39 AM and I was meditating as I was ready for sleep when this advertisement came on so I sat up and fully listened. At 54 just 1 week ago today I was told I have sleep apnea and will need a CPAP. I instantly asked if I could also go to an ear nose and throat because I have severe allergies and every night my nose is stopped up. I also have some type of a dysplasia bone issue in my lower chin- jaw, which have caused some shifting, in my face which I believe has impacted and obstructed my breathing, which I am told as an African-American woman it can be common, but it’s untreatable. I do believe that ENT can help reduce or even eliminate some of the snoring and improve my breathing, I do have a humidifieragain I have terrible allergies. I’m prayerful and I’m not overweight more than 7 pounds. I instantly subscribed because I feel this doctor is genuine and passionate about actually helping people and maybe that’s because he’s not in the United States sorry but I think this may have some truth to it.
Vik, the Zeus device ($284.34 AUD itself) and 1 year supply of pads would cost me around $871.99 AUD for the 1st year, and $606.71 each year ongoing. A cpap machine can last several years, along with a mask (except for replacement headgear every so often). Factoring for all the costs associated for both devices, cpap still comes out way ahead. For instance I have a devilbiss machine that is as hardy and reliable as the day I bought it 10 years ago for $800 aud (in 2011) plus a mask for $150.
This is why an implantable device would probably be less cost prohibitive, let alone a bunch of simple tongue retainers (or MAD device)
It's nice to see technology improving, but the $ has to come down to be justifiable.
I would say this is only a real option if you can't tolerate. I'm glad that CPAP is an option for you, but some people really can't manage it at all. And in some people CPAP makes their sleep apnoea worse. I haven't done my research on the ZEUS device yet, but thank you for telling me the prices. I couldn't get it to work on me because of my beard. I'll let you know in the video - thanks for the heads up.
@@VikVeerENTSurgeon You're welcome. I'm 24 hours out of hospital since my surgery for septoplasty and turbinate reduction. This is thanks to watching your videos months ago, and deciding to really try and do something other than accept Cpap and steroid nasal sprays for the last decade.
Really I am quite a common case of modern maxillofacial abnormality due to modern living (industralisation). Palatial expansion in childhood may have helped me, but I just dont have the space in my throat due to the development of my jaw. Several years ago I had my wisdom teeth removed from deep positions, as I simply didn't have any room for them and they were causing problems.
I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnoea in 2011 at the age of 28. I had been dismissed by 2 sleep specialists (one male, one female) on examination, then a horrible time using medications for mental illness (they thought I was just mentally ill), including medications used for people with schizophrenia, which someone like me should never be given. I even spent a month in a mental hospital because I thought I really was going crazy. They too dismissed my feelings about feeling like I couldn't sleep and felt like a zombie every day.
After going through all that and being highly medicated I asked my doctor why is it was such a big deal to have a sleep study performed, as its not invasive or dangerous and will allow him/I to rules things out.
The story I could tell you, unbelievable. I'm lucky I'm alive.
*I've always had a BMI under 25, normal healthy physique etc.
Wow they just recognized the role of tonsils for sleep apnoea in UK now? I had both mine removed for sleep apnoea since 6 years old...along with some tissue behind the nose that blocks the airway when sagging.
What are the risks/downsides of surgery?
This is amazing news ! Thank you so much for your information and enthusiasm and being an advocate for change .
my pleasure, thank you for watching!
Vik... you are such a great communicator. It makes perfect sense to remove large tonsils in adults. And as an aside.... I find that breathing retraining is also an excellent tool alongside these other measures.
Where do you go for breathing training. My daughter informed me that I stop breathing in and also when breathing out, but I also do that when I am awake. My Massage therapist and a physiotherapist both have to remind me to breathe. I had my tonsils removed at 18 and I used to have sinus problems but now take an allergy pill every day.
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I have been questioning my large tonsils for years to my doctors. They completely dismiss it as having any affect on my sleep apnea and overall health. Glad to see someone is finally sharing common sense in regards to this. Please keep up the good work!
again I am so sorry you've not been given the right advice. speak speak to your doctor and get treated and then feedback to the original doctor who said that to you. we all want to know if we are doing the wrong thing. it will mean they don't make the mistake again.
I've been on CPAP for 26 years. 20 years ago I visited an ENT/Sleep specialist who told me to have my tonsils removed. Improved my breathing by 40%
Hi Jerry I had my tonsils out in 2020 as they were very large and althought didn't help with the fatigue and not feeling refreshed it definitely took away any snoring so glad I went throught with it.
@@VikVeerENTSurgeon I have huge tonsils too...and was diagnosed with mild OSA and prescribed a CPAP....as they felt that the recovery from a tonsillectomy will be very difficult for a 45 year old. What's your opinion on this?
@@RyOpenEye How long did it take to heal? Do you sleep better now & What side effects after the surgery did you have I've heard that people don't get sick as much and not many Allergies now...
Thank you Sir.
I am going to the UPPP surgery in three weeks. Let's see how it goes.
I am not a doctor, but I am of the opinion that sleep apnea seems to trouble people as they age, especially women at the menopause. Why? hormone loss. especially estrogen for women, it firms the tissues and keeps them from sagging. so saggy throat ladies! I was diagnosed with apnea, but a mild form, asi 5.9. they treated it with cpap, pressure 8. hated it but used it faithfully. I never felt better nor did I sleep better or feel rested after several months of use. Then I saw a naturopath. I went on Hormone replacement, including estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid, all bio identical. within a few weeks, my life did a 180, I started feeling great, cpap events were zero, so they lowered it down to 6, then I got off it altogether.
hmmm sounds like a wrong diagnosis from the start. I'm very sorry that you were messed around. I would tell the original doctor, I'm sure they will want to know.
yes women catch up rapidly with the boys at menopause as the their hormones keep them elasticity and springy. that goes with the change.
Lone Ranger thank you for your comment I am same in menopause and having sleep issues and doctor suspects sleep apnea due to menopause. I just found me a doctor that specializes in HRT...so happy your sleep issues were resolved!!
Thank you for sharing your story! I’m 46 I started have this issue waking up my heart beating fast shortness of breath.
Good video, it seems my sleep doctors arent familiar with the new guidelines as they told me there is no surgeries available on the NHS but your video mentions there is around 42 of them. ill be mentioning that next time I go.
I’ve been having issues with my right nostril closing up at night when laying down, making CPAP harder to use. My dentist said I have large tonsils. My Dr. told me to not worry about it unless there’s signs of tonsillitis. I’m going to ask for a referral to an ENT. Thanks for the info
Hi Dr. In regards to MAD, what are your thoughts on this. i read somewhere that eventually by putting that pressure on upper teeth/upper jaw, that it can potentially push it back and make the airway smaller over time. has there been any clinical evidence or research on this?
I've not heard that, however poorly prescribed MAD can result in abnormal bite position. this is really a question for the dentists as I don't like to comment on other people's line of work.
I’ve been diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea. I was suffering from post fatigue illness after becoming ill December 23. Long Covid was first mentioned because of the symptoms I was experiencing, Eight months down the line a doctor decided I may have sleep apnea. I have never experienced the symptoms of sleep apnea and honestly don’t believe I have it. I was given a cpap machine to use and I believe it has made matters worse, ie keeps me awake, running nose, bloated feeling and I have gained weight. My symptoms have barely changed from January 2024. I have gone from a man earning very renumeration and working long hours to provide for my family to an embarrassed worthless individual.
Hi man, hope you are doing well.
Can I ask did your symptoms start after recovering from covid? (Long Covid) or were they present before?
Great video so informative Thank You so much for making these videos. I always noticed that when i woke up i had such a hard time breathing thru my nose. but just as u said, when i got up n walked around n def after showering, i just felt more open n less congested/pressure. I used flonase for a while, it sort of helped but not too much. i also didnt want to use it forever so i stopped. i try to use a neti pot before sleep it helps but no matter what when i wake up i struggle to breath thru my nose. i always wondered if theres a solution to this as i feel it contributes to my poor sleep to some extent.
I would ask your doctor to consider nasal steroids. that would be my personal choice but speak to them first. it should help after a month or so.
Hi Vik. Could you please explain this surgery for sleep apnea you are talking about in more detail? What exactly is it, and how's it performed? What are possible complications, and are there long-term positive experiences? Is it painful like tonsillectomy, etc.
I second this notion
Recently sought diagnosis for apparent sleep apnoea. On the waiting list for sleep study. Its ruining my life right now.
The snoring has wedged distance in the relationship with my partner as weve slept seperate now for 2 years.
To top it off, it has now seemingly merged with my sleep paralysis disorder. Now, up to 10 times in one night I wake up paralysed, fully aware of the room and cannot breath nor stir myself to bring myself out of it.
Sometimes I'm not breathing and paralysed for long enough to once awake gasp for air for the next 5 mins as if I've been strangled.
It now causing me severe anxiety. Panic attacks daily and I'm lost with waht to do until the sleep study and treatment ensues.
I'm going to try your excercises religiously. I will update you with my progress.
Thank you so much for your videos
Chris
Updates bro
You any better there Chris?
Please give an update. I’m going through the same thing
Isnt it spelled, apnea? Or is there an alternate spelling
Mouth and tongue exercises, good diet, exercise, and breathing techniques to slow beathing. That is the non drug approach and non device approach. Need to open airway..narrower causes faster breathing and hyperventilation..
Slow down the breathing. Need to get healthy...do healthier things and workout tongue and mouth. Things r usually ab getting healthy but takes thought and time. Medical field just prescribes drugs and doesnt even ask ab diet or lifestyle much. More ab making money.
And btw I use nasal spray every night...have to. Nose gets inflamed every evening...every single evening...need the generic Afrin. I used to use Nasacort..but that doesnt work as well.
Dust mite allergy. Who knew it was a silent killer? I don't snore but I'm up 4x a night and can't sleep more than 5,6 hours. I do have severe allergies to dust mites, cigarette smoke, house dust, etc. Thank you DR. Need to get an air filter for my bedroom.
Thank you for all the details!! 🤗
Thanks!
That was very kind of you, Thank you so much.👍
You’re a good man Vik.