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SusanR

SusanR
Joined Oct 2014
SusanR
Joined Oct 2014

You ask some really important questions. A trach completely bypasses the area of obstruction (assuming it is open and working well). Therefore, it should serve as a complete "cure" for obstructive sleep apnea--that is, episodes caused by blockage of the air passages. However, sometimes sleep apnea also is due to a problem with the brain not sending the right signals to the breathing muscles, that is telling those muscles to breathe during sleep. This can cause "central" apneas--apneas occurring because there is not sufficient effort being made to breathe. Sometimes, right after a tracheostomy, the brain and body have not fully adjusted to changes the concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide that resulted from relieving the airway obstruction with surgery. During this period of adjustment, there may be central apneas, as the body's breathing control systems are adjusting. Usually over time, this should settle out and improve. However, it is important to know that some people with obstructive sleep apnea may actually have some component of central apneas--even when things are "stable"--that type of breathing problem may require therapies such as ASV. Also, if there is lung disease causing low oxygen levels, a tracheostomy alone may not be sufficient to correct the oxygen levels (which may also require supplemental oxygen.)

I hope this explanation was not too confusing! In any case, I would speak with your doctors and find out what the plan is for following up after tracheostomy to assure both that the trach is working well and there is not a need for additional treatment to address problems such as central apneas or low oxygen.

Good luck!