Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) Specialist in Singapore

Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) are conditions that impact breathing during sleep. Snoring occurs due to the vibration of tissues in the airway, while OSA involves repeated interruptions in breathing caused by partial or complete airway blockages.

These conditions can interfere with sleep quality, leading to daytime fatigue, reduced concentration, and potential long-term health issues.

Dr Gan Eng Cern

Ear, nose and throat specialist

MBBS

MRCS (Edin)

mmed (orl)

FAMS

ENT Specialist for Snoring & OSA Singapore

Symptoms Causes Types Diagnosis Treatment Prevention FAQ

Symptoms of Snoring and OSA

Symptoms of snoring and OSA often overlap, with both conditions affecting sleep and daily well-being.

Loud Snoring: Snoring is frequently described as disruptive and may indicate narrowing of the airway.
Gasping or Choking During Sleep: These episodes occur when breathing resumes after a blockage, often waking the individual.
Daytime Sleepiness: Persistent fatigue during the day suggests poor sleep quality from interrupted breathing patterns.
Morning Headaches: Reduced oxygen levels and disrupted sleep cycles can result in waking up with headaches.
Difficulty Concentrating: Cognitive functions such as memory and attention may be impaired due to insufficient restorative sleep.

Causes and Risk Factors

The development of snoring and OSA is influenced by a variety of anatomical, behavioural, and genetic factors.

Excess Weight: Fat deposits around the throat increase the likelihood of airway blockages during sleep.
Ageing: Decreased muscle tone in the throat and airway can lead to partial or complete obstructions.
Airway Anatomy: Structural issues such as enlarged tonsils, a narrow jaw, or a deviated nasal septum may contribute to OSA.
Alcohol and Sedative Use: These substances relax throat muscles, making the airway more prone to collapse.
Family History: Having close relatives with OSA or similar conditions may indicate a genetic predisposition, increasing the likelihood of developing OSA.

Types of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

OSA is categorised based on severity and underlying causes, which guide treatment strategies.

Mild OSA: Breathing interruptions occur fewer than 15 times per hour. Symptoms are less severe, and lifestyle modifications or oral appliances may often suffice as treatment.
Moderate OSA: Breathing interruptions occur 15-30 times per hour. Daytime fatigue and sleep disturbances are more pronounced, requiring a combination of therapies.
Severe OSA: Breathing is interrupted more than 30 times per hour, significantly affecting health and sleep. Intensive treatment or surgery, is often required.

Diagnosis of Snoring and OSA

Medical History and Physical Examination

A comprehensive review of symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors is conducted. The ENT doctor examines the airway for structural issues such as enlarged tonsils, nasal blockages, or a small jaw. This evaluation helps identify risk factors that may contribute to the condition.

Polysomnography (Sleep Study)

Conducted in a sleep lab, this method monitors breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, and brain activity overnight. The data helps determine the severity of breathing interruptions and their impact on sleep quality.

Home Sleep Apnoea Testing (HSAT)

For suitable patients, HSAT provides a simpler, at-home alternative to polysomnography. It measures oxygen levels, airflow, and breathing patterns. While not as comprehensive, it offers convenience and is often used for initial screening in less complex cases.

Treatment Options for Snoring and OSA

Effective treatment at our clinic varies depending on the severity of the condition and the individual’s needs.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Lifestyle Modifications: Changes such as weight loss, avoiding alcohol before bedtime, and sleeping on one’s side can reduce symptoms. Weight loss reduces fat deposits around the airway, while altering sleep posture prevents the tongue from blocking airflow.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): A CPAP machine uses pressurised air delivered through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep. This is highly effective for moderate to severe OSA and improves breathing and sleep quality.
Oral Appliances: Custom-made devices reposition the jaw or tongue to prevent airway obstruction. These are often recommended for mild to moderate OSA or for individuals who cannot tolerate CPAP. They are portable and easy to use but require regular follow-up to ensure they remain effective.

Surgical Treatment

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): This surgery removes excess tissue from the throat, such as the uvula or part of the soft palate, to widen the airway. It is typically recommended for those with anatomical obstructions and is performed under general anaesthesia.
Stiffening Procedures (Coblation or Radiofrequency Ablation): These techniques use controlled energy to scar and stiffen soft tissues in the soft palate or tongue. This prevents tissue from vibrating excessively, reducing snoring and improving airway stability.
Tongue Base Reduction: Excess tissue at the back of the tongue is trimmed using coblation or diathermy to reduce bulkiness. This enlarges the airway, particularly in cases where tongue size contributes significantly to obstruction.

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Prevention and Management

Preventative measures and ongoing management help minimise the impact of snoring and OSA. Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bed, and ensuring good sleep hygiene are beneficial. For those with OSA, adhering to prescribed treatments such as CPAP or oral appliances, combined with regular medical follow-up, ensures better symptom control and overall health.

For Singaporeans & Singapore Permanent Residents

Medisave & Insurance Shield Plan approved

Your ENT procedure may be eligible for Medisave claims, with the claimable amount varying based on the procedure’s complexity. For additional options, including the use of your insurance or Integrated Shield Plan, reach out to our friendly clinic staff today for assistance.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can children develop OSA?

Yes, children can develop OSA, often due to enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Treatment usually involves removing the obstructing tissue or managing contributing factors.

Is OSA always permanent?

OSA can sometimes be resolved with weight loss, lifestyle changes, or surgical interventions, depending on its cause and severity. Ongoing management may still be required.

What complications arise from untreated OSA?

Untreated OSA may lead to cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. It can also cause persistent fatigue and impair cognitive and emotional well-being.

Dr Gan Eng Cern

Ear, nose and throat specialist

MBBS

MRCS (Edin)

mmed (orl)

FAMS

With over 15 years of experience, Dr Gan specialises in the comprehensive management of a broad range of conditions related to the ear, nose and throat (ENT), and head and neck.

Dr. Gan has contributed to the academic field as a Senior Clinical Lecturer at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore. He is recognised for his extensive research work, with numerous contributions to reputable international ENT journals. Dr Gan is also highly sought after as a speaker and has shared his surgical knowledge as a surgical dissection teacher at various prominent ENT conferences and courses.

2020 – Reader’s Choice Gold Award for Best ENT Specialist (Expat Living Singapore)
2016 – Best Educator Award (Eastern Health Alliance)
2016 – “Wow” Award (Patient Compliment)

2014 – Eastern Health Alliance Caring Award – Silver
2014 – 19th Yahya Cohen Memorial Lectureship (awarded by the College of Surgeons, Academy of Medicine Singapore for best scientific surgical paper)
2012 – Human Manpower Development Award (Ministry of Health, Singapore)
2007 – Singhealth Best Doctor Award

Qualifications

MBBS – Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia)
MRCS (Edin) – Member of the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh, United Kingdom
MMed (ORL) – Master of Medicine in ENT (National University of Singapore)
FAMS – Fellow of the Academy of Medicine Singapore

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Our Location

A Specialist Clinic for Sinus, Snoring & ENT

38 Irrawaddy Road #08-45
Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital
Singapore 329563

enquiry@drganent.com

+65‎ 6253‎ 7296

+65 9058 2480

Mon – Fri: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sat: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm