Is Obesity linked with Sleep Apnea? Is Bariatric Surgery an Option?

Published on January 14 , 2021 | 2 Minutes to Read

Share :

People who are obese tend to have more tissue around their throat that may make them more prone to sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is one of the dreaded health problems after diabetes. Sleep apnea means decreased oxygen, reaching the brain and to the body at the time of sleeping.

Why Does It Occur Mainly in Obese Population?

Obesity is one of the biggest risk factors for the development and progression of obstructive sleep apnea or OSA. It is often ignored and undiagnosed in the general population and obese patients.

According to a recent study, as many as five to ten percent of adults in the country have OSA.

Most Common Symptoms of OSA:

• Snoring
• Waking up sweating
• Morning headaches
• Problems staying asleep (insomnia)
• Waking up and gasping for air
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Frequent trips to the bathroom during the night

What are the Risk Factors of OSA?

• Obesity/BMI >30
• Narrow airway
• Enlarged tonsils
• Diabetes/hypertension
• Retrognathia (recessed chin)
• Downs syndrome

What are the Roles of a Bariatric Surgeon Involved in Treating Sleep Apnea?

Bariatric surgeons screen patients for OSA to reduce surgical risk. As patients with OSA are especially vulnerable during anesthesia and sedation and are at an increased risk of developing respiratory and cardiopulmonary complications post-operatively, a preoperative sleep test, polysomnography, should be performed to check for the condition. Studies show that patients who receive preoperative CPAP therapy have fewer postoperative complications. So, bariatric surgeons recommend CPAP therapy to prevent acute airway obstruction in OSA patients.

Bariatric Surgery as a Treatment for Sleep Apnea

Bariatric surgery is one of the most effective treatments for OSA, causing remission in 80 to 85% of cases. The chances of losing excess body weight of patients are between 50 and 70% after surgery. As patients lose their excess body weight following surgery, the fatty tissue around the upper airway is decreased which can eliminate or reduce the upper airway collapse that occurs with OSA.