Apnea is a sleep disorder that, if left untreated, can lead to serious health problems such as high blood pressure and heart issues. Top Ichilov has the necessary technical equipment to conduct successful diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea syndrome according to the most modern standards.
A team of highly qualified specialists from various fields works with the patient – otolaryngologists, somnologists, surgeons, etc. They use innovative, proven methods in the fight against apnea. Surgical treatment is conducted as gently as possible, with minimal trauma to healthy tissues.
Reviews of apnea treatment in Israel show that, regardless of the complexity of the disease, doctors achieve significant improvement in the patient's condition and prevent severe complications. Another argument in favor of undergoing treatment at Top Ichilov is that the cost of treatment in Israel is significantly lower than in European and American clinics.
Treatment methods for apnea
Treatment methods are selected individually and depend on the complexity of the case.
Conservative treatment
In mild cases of obstructive sleep apnea, conservative therapy may be sufficient.
- People with excess weight should lose weight. Even a 10% weight loss can reduce the number of apnea episodes in most patients. However, weight loss may be difficult in untreated obstructive sleep apnea due to increased appetite and metabolic changes that can occur with obstructive sleep apnea.
- People with obstructive apnea should avoid alcohol and certain sedatives that increase the likelihood of airway collapse during sleep and prolong apnea episodes.
- In some patients with mild obstructive sleep apnea, breathing pauses occur only when they sleep on their back. In such cases, using a wedge pillow or other devices that help them sleep on their side may be beneficial.
- People with nasal sinus problems or nasal congestion should use nasal sprays or breathing strips to reduce snoring and improve airflow for more comfortable nighttime breathing. Avoiding sleep deprivation is important for all patients with sleep disorders.
Mechanical therapy
Positive airway pressure therapy is the preferred initial treatment for most people with obstructive apnea. In this type of therapy, patients wear a mask over their nose and/or mouth. A blower gently delivers air through the nose and/or mouth. The air pressure is adjusted to be sufficient to prevent the collapse of the upper airway tissues during sleep. This method prevents airway closure during use. There are several styles and types of positive airway pressure devices depending on the specific needs of patients.
Mandibular advancement devices
These devices are useful for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. They help prevent the tongue from blocking the throat and/or advance the lower jaw forward. This keeps the airways open during sleep.
Hypoglossal nerve stimulator
The stimulator is implanted under the skin on the right side of the chest with electrodes routed under the skin to the hypoglossal nerve in the neck and to the intercostal muscles (between the ribs) in the chest. The device is activated before sleep using a remote control. With each breath, the hypoglossal nerve is stimulated, the tongue is pulled out of the airway, and the airway opens.
Surgery
Among the many types of surgical interventions are outpatient procedures. Surgery is indicated for people with excess or deformed tissue obstructing airflow through the nose or throat, such as a deviated septum, significantly enlarged tonsils, or a small lower jaw with an improper bite, causing the throat to become abnormally narrow. Types of surgery include:
- Somnoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to reduce soft tissues in the upper airways.
- Tonsillectomy is a procedure that removes tonsil tissue in the back of the throat, which is a common cause of obstruction in children with sleep apnea.
- Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is a procedure that removes soft tissue from the back of the throat and palate, increasing the width of the airway at the throat opening.
- Jaw advancement surgery is a surgical correction of certain facial anomalies or throat obstructions that contribute to obstructive sleep apnea. This is an invasive procedure intended for patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea with head and facial anomalies.
- Nasal surgery involves correcting nasal congestion, such as a deviated septum.
Diagnostic methods for the disease
For treatment to be successful, it is important to undergo a complete examination. At Top Ichilov clinic, the latest diagnostic technologies are used to gather maximum information about the disease. The entire examination lasts no more than three days.
The patient is examined by the attending physician. The physician studies the medical history, records complaints, clarifies symptoms, and prescribes a series of necessary diagnostic procedures that the patient usually undergoes the following day.
Testing includes a study of nighttime sleep called polysomnography (PSG). PSG is conducted in a sleep laboratory under the direct supervision of a trained technologist. During the test at night while sleeping, various body functions are recorded, such as electrical activity of the brain, eye movements, muscle activity, heart rate, breathing patterns, airflow, and blood oxygen levels. After the study is completed, the number of breathing disturbances during sleep is counted, and the severity of sleep apnea is assessed.
For adults, a home sleep test (HST) can sometimes be conducted instead. This is a modified type of sleep study that can be performed without leaving home. It records fewer body functions than PSG, including airflow, breathing effort, blood oxygen levels, and snoring, to confirm a diagnosis of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.
On the third day, a medical council is held, during which a final diagnosis is made and a therapy program is developed. A collegial approach allows doctors to improve the overall treatment prognosis and avoid medical errors.
How much does treatment cost in Israel
The price depends on what therapeutic measures will be included in the therapy program. This becomes clear after the examination conducted at the clinic. The preliminary cost can be learned in advance; for this, please call our contact center or request a callback. It is worth noting that the cost of treating sleep apnea syndrome in Israel is 30-50% lower than in EU or US countries.
Advantages of treatment in Israel
- High treatment results at any stage of the disease.
- Innovative types of therapy, new medications, and procedures.
- 100% accurate diagnosis conducted in a timely manner.
- High professionalism and international level of physician training.
- Moderate prices, with the possibility of paying for services upon receipt.
If you or your loved ones have signs of the disease and would like to undergo treatment in Israel or receive a consultation from an Israeli specialist, please contact us in any convenient way; we will help you choose a doctor and arrange direct communication with them.