Sleep apnea related to ear problems?

SleepyGuy · Post by **SleepyGuy** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 5:24 pm

I've had a lot of chronic ear problems in the past year and I think these are related to my ongoing fatigue. I saw that chronic ear problems are sometimes treated by removing the adenoids! They can block the eustachian tubes connecting the ears to the throat. The adenoids are often also removed as part of sleep apnea surgery.

This suggests to me that the cause of my ear problems and the cause of my sleep apnea may be the same thing. In both cases, the problem may be in my throat.

My fatigue improved after I got my machine 18 months ago, but didn't go away completely. I have the ear problems and a high white blood cell count seems to indicate an ongoing infection.

Has anyone had the sleep apnea surgery and has it cleared up ear problems?

WindFlyer · Post by **WindFlyer** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 9:34 am

I had a laser-assisted uvulopalatopharyngioplasty before I started CPAP therapy two years ago. As far as I know there were no adenoids to remove becuase those regress as you enter puberty and usually are no longer present in adults. I have had ear problems way in the past as a child but only recently have I had them again, and that was due to a sinus infection spreading into my ear. My otolaryngologist stated that "Most patients find that their CPAP therapy improves after having the UPPP done" but in my case I had the surgery first to see if I could dodge the CPAP bullet. So I couldn't make a comparison. But in your case it may be that the UPPP procedure will help improve your CPAP therapy, based on what my otolaryngologist told me. Talk to your doctor- see what you can find out.

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