An exclusive medical event was held by Manipal Hospitals, one of India’s leading healthcare service providers, to raise awareness of the latest developments in sleep health. Senior physicians from various specialities, including Dr. Dipankar Datta, Senior Consultant ENT and Sleep Apnea Surgeon, Manipal Hospital, Broadway, attended the event. The discussion focused on early diagnosis, available treatments, and the effects of sleep disorders like Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) on general health.

The disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) causes the airway to become blocked occasionally while you sleep. This seemingly intangible conflict has the potential to be fatal and to negatively affect people’s quality of life. In addition to frequent breathing pauses, OSA also results in loud, annoying snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, and headaches in the morning. This disorder often goes undiagnosed, leading to major health problems like mental retardation, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Globally, obesity is known to be a significant risk factor for sleep apnea; however, in the Indian subcontinent, genetic factors frequently make diagnosis more difficult. Surgery or other alternative interventions may be required for individuals with anatomical blockages.

Dr. Dipankar Datta, Senior Consultant ENT and Sleep Apnea Surgeon, Manipal Hospital, Broadway, said, “Not only does sleep apnea cause loud snoring, but it can also negatively affect heart health, cognitive function, and general well-being. CPAP machines provide short-term relief, but they are costly and uncomfortable. However, surgery offers a long-term solution by clearing structural blockages in the upper airway, allowing patients to sleep without the need for outside assistance. The procedure significantly improves quality of life and is minimally invasive”.

The use of Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE), a state-of-the-art diagnostic technique that aids in determining the precise degree of obstruction from sleep apnea, was a major topic of discussion. To replicate natural sleep-like conditions, the patient is put to sleep during this procedure under controlled anaesthesia. After that, a flexible fiber-optic endoscope is passed from the nostrils to the throat, allowing doctors to keep an eye on any structural blockages in real time. Based on these findings, certain tailored surgical treatments can be performed to permanently treat snoring and sleep apnea, removing the need for the patient to rely on any outside devices for restful sleep.

To treat sleep apnea, early detection is essential. This event provided a forum for in-depth conversations about improving patient care by bringing together patients and leading experts. Patients suffering from sleep disorders can now more easily complete the “From Rest to Recovery” process thanks to increased awareness, early diagnosis, and the availability of cutting-edge treatments.

Priyanka Dutta