By Dr. Fan-Chun Meng, Director, Sleep Medicine Center
Real Case Study
Severe Sleep Apnea Found in 4-Year-Old Boy Due to Snoring – Multidisciplinary Treatment Led to Significant Improvement
A 4-year-old boy began snoring loudly after catching a cold. He was later found to have enlarged tonsils, dark circles under his eyes, lack of concentration, and hyperactivity. Further testing at our hospital revealed a high apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 11, indicating severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). His family consulted pulmonology, ENT, dentistry, and traditional Chinese medicine specialists. Hoping to avoid surgery or CPAP therapy at such a young age, they opted for traditional Chinese medicine. After treatment to improve his constitution, the boy's snoring was greatly reduced, and his behavior and learning ability also significantly improved.
Snoring is More Than Just a Nuisance — It's a Health Warning
According to Dr. Fan-Chun Meng, Director of the Sleep Medicine Center at our hospital, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common but often overlooked condition. If left untreated, it may lead to serious health issues including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, dementia, and even cancer.
Sleep — A Quarter of Our Lives That Could Be a Silent Killer
Healthy sleep is essential for memory consolidation, immune function, and weight regulation. In contrast, OSA causes repeated breathing interruptions during sleep, lasting 10 seconds or more, leading to intermittent hypoxia (oxygen deprivation).
Dr. Meng explains:
“Intermittent hypoxia accelerates the accumulation of tau protein and beta-amyloid in the brain, increasing the risk of dementia. It can also trigger insulin resistance, contributing to the development or worsening of diabetes.”
Prevalence as High as 25% — Men and Postmenopausal Women at Higher Risk
OSA affects people of all ages, but those at higher risk include individuals who are obese, have a large neck circumference, enlarged tonsils, or are middle-aged and older. According to recent U.S. medical data, 34% of men and 17% of women suffer from OSA. Postmenopausal women are particularly vulnerable due to changes in fat distribution, resulting in prevalence rates nearly equal to men.
Multiple Treatment Options — From Weight Loss to Innovative Devices and New Medications
Dr. Meng outlines the various treatment approaches for OSA based on severity:
• General Measures: Weight loss, side sleeping, avoiding alcohol and sedatives.
• Oral Appliances (Mandibular Advancement Devices): Suitable for patients with jaw retraction or tongue obstruction.
• Surgical Treatment: Recommended for anatomical abnormalities such as enlarged tonsils or jaw misalignment.
• CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure): The most effective treatment, though adherence can be challenging for some patients.
• iNAP (Intraoral Negative Airway Pressure): A portable and effective alternative for those who cannot tolerate CPAP.
• Nasal EPAP (Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure): A lightweight device that helps some patients, though not suitable for those with nasal congestion.
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): An option for patients preferring non-invasive approaches.
• Medication: In late 2024, the FDA approved Zepbound, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that improves OSA symptoms by promoting weight loss.
Early Detection and Tailored Treatment Are Key
As of April this year, our hospital’s Sleep Medicine Center has relocated from the Neihu main hospital to the 5th floor of the Tingjhou Branch. The new facility is equipped with the latest sleep diagnostic equipment and has expanded capacity, allowing more patients to undergo polysomnography (PSG) testing without long waiting periods — enabling earlier diagnosis and intervention.
Dr. Meng emphasizes:
“Sleep apnea is not just a matter of poor sleep — it’s a chronic disease affecting the entire body. Early detection and proper treatment are crucial for protecting your heart, brain, and overall quality of life.”