The human body is considered to be the most advanced machine in the world, and rightfully so. This not only encompasses its incredible complexity but also its self-healing capabilities.
Sleep plays a major role in the latter because it activates the body’s repair mechanisms. The problem is that sleep is elusive to many people due to varied reasons, a common and overlooked one being breathing difficulties.
In most cases, the issue lies with the structure and function of the nose. Thankfully, it can be rectified with a minimally invasive nose surgery or ultrasonic rhinoplasty. Not sure how? Keep reading as this article shares how nose surgery could provide relief from sleep-disordered breathing.
The Link Between Nasal Health and Sleep
It won’t be wrong to call the nose a quiet guardian. As the front gate of the respiratory system, it plays a crucial role in breathing, especially when you’ve drifted to Slumberland. The Cleveland Clinic shares that the nose not only allows air to enter but also moistens it for better movement through the respiratory system.
This process incessantly works until there’s a blockage or obstruction in the nasal passage. It may happen due to the following reasons –
- A deviated septum
- A nasal valve collapse
- Chronic inflammation
- Enlarged turbinates
Once the airflow becomes limited, your body will automatically look for other outlets to get the air it needs. The next alternative is undoubtedly the mouth.
This problem can lead to conditions that may significantly impact one’s quality of life, including snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The latter is particularly concerning because it involves frequent sleep interruptions due to obstructed airflow.
Even without such conditions, sleep quality is adversely impacted because of fragmentation. The individual may constantly wake up to adjust their position or clear their airway. Ultimately, they suffer from daytime fatigue, mood swings, and poor concentration.
When is Nose Surgery Considered?
A recent survey made it clear that Americans continue to struggle in the sleep department. 1 in 5 only gets four to five hours of rest. What’s shocking is that even that short period is marked by frequent sleep disruptions (according to 89%). It may not be a daily occurrence, but it is alarming nonetheless.
Keep in mind that nose surgery is not usually the first line of treatment recommended for sleep-related breathing issues. If the problems are mild, the patient may be asked to make healthy lifestyle changes like losing weight or abstaining from alcohol/tobacco.
Even in cases where nasal blockage is the main cause, the first line of treatment would include allergy medications, nasal strips, or sprays. Patients are also recommended Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy to keep their airways open using gentle pressure via a mask.
If structural problems with the nose are identified, surgical interventions become a better-suited treatment option. Among those, ultrasonic or piezo rhinoplasty does not involve the use of hammers and chisels.
According to Shah Aesthetic Surgery, high-frequency ultrasound waves are used with the help of a wand. Its different tips enable the surgeon to make precise cuts in the bone without damaging the surrounding soft tissues.
Here’s a breakdown of when nasal surgery may be the right choice –
- There are structural issues like a deviated septum.
- Non-surgical treatments like nasal sprays and strips have failed.
- Even CPAP therapy is not working or is difficult to tolerate due to nasal blockage.
Benefits of Rhinoplasty for Sleep-Deprived People
As Medical News Today points out, the number one benefit of a nose surgery is a clear airway. All nasal blockages will be removed so your breathing gets clearer and easier. The rest of the benefits stem from this one.
In other words, improved airflow can help in the following ways –
- Reduced snoring
- Better response to CPAP therapy, if needed
- Easier nasal breathing at night, which means better sleep quality
- Improved oxygen levels
- Less daytime fatigue or mood changes
Given how important sleep is, the surgery will enhance your overall health and quality of life. However, you must first get yourself thoroughly evaluated to know if you’re a suitable candidate for such a surgery.
Certain tests, like a CT scan and nasal examination, will help determine whether you should go for nose surgery or not.
Did you know that nearly 30 million people across the US have sleep apnea? Out of these, only about 6 million are formally diagnosed. This means there is still a large gap in awareness and diagnosis.
As for snoring, 90 million Americans admit to it at some point. However, nearly 37 million of them report snoring regularly. In many cases, snoring is a strong indicator of sleep apnea.
Remember that you need not live with any of these issues. There’s hope as those with sleep-disordered breathing can enjoy a high quality of life, sometimes through medications and other times through nose surgery.
READ ALSO: Elevate Your Business with Master Piece Card and Menu NFC Plate
