Our Summary

This study looked at the relationship between thyroid problems and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition where people stop breathing during their sleep. More specifically, it explored whether removing the thyroid (a procedure called a thyroidectomy) can help alleviate OSA symptoms. The researchers reviewed data from four databases, focusing on the severity of OSA symptoms before and after the thyroidectomy.

The results, based on six studies of 221 OSA patients who had their thyroid removed, showed that the operation did significantly reduce the severity of apnea/hypopnea (episodes of shallow or paused breathing during sleep). However, it didn’t lead to significant improvements in other areas, such as the need for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment, or scores on the Berlin questionnaire or Epworth Sleepiness Scale, which measure sleepiness and the risk of having sleep apnea.

In simpler terms, this research suggests that thyroid removal can help decrease the severity of some OSA symptoms, but it doesn’t seem to completely solve the problem. More research is needed to confirm these findings and to better understand the relationship between the thyroid and OSA.

FAQs

  1. Can a thyroidectomy alleviate symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?
  2. Does the removal of the thyroid affect the need for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment in OSA patients?
  3. What is the relationship between the thyroid and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about thyroidectomy is to be aware that while it may help improve some symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, it may not completely resolve the issue. Patients should continue to follow up with their healthcare provider and monitor their symptoms closely after the surgery. Additionally, they should discuss any concerns or changes in symptoms with their doctor to ensure they are receiving the appropriate treatment.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for thyroidectomy include those with:

  1. Thyroid cancer: Patients with thyroid cancer may need a thyroidectomy to remove the cancerous tissue.

  2. Graves’ disease: This autoimmune disorder causes the thyroid to become overactive, leading to symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and bulging eyes. A thyroidectomy may be recommended to treat severe cases of Graves’ disease.

  3. Thyroid nodules: Nodules are lumps or growths on the thyroid gland that can be cancerous or cause symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing. In some cases, a thyroidectomy may be recommended to remove the nodules.

  4. Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid can cause symptoms such as weight loss, anxiety, and tremors. A thyroidectomy may be recommended to treat severe cases of hyperthyroidism that do not respond to other treatments.

  5. Recurrent thyroid nodules: Patients who have recurrent thyroid nodules that continue to grow or cause symptoms may be recommended for a thyroidectomy to prevent further complications.

It’s important for patients to discuss their individual situation with their healthcare provider to determine if a thyroidectomy is the best course of action for their condition.

Timeline

Before thyroidectomy:

  • Patient may have symptoms of thyroid dysfunction, such as fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, and difficulty concentrating.
  • Patient undergoes diagnostic tests, such as blood tests and imaging scans, to assess the thyroid gland and determine the need for surgery.
  • Patient may be prescribed medication to manage thyroid hormone levels and symptoms before the surgery.

After thyroidectomy:

  • Patient undergoes surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland.
  • Patient may experience temporary hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or neck stiffness following the surgery.
  • Patient may need to take thyroid hormone replacement medication for the rest of their life to regulate hormone levels.
  • Patient may need regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor thyroid hormone levels and overall health.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about thyroidectomy in relation to obstructive sleep apnea may include:

  1. How does the thyroid affect obstructive sleep apnea?
  2. What are the potential benefits of a thyroidectomy for treating obstructive sleep apnea?
  3. What are the potential risks or complications of undergoing a thyroidectomy for obstructive sleep apnea?
  4. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies for obstructive sleep apnea that should be considered before opting for a thyroidectomy?
  5. How long does it typically take to see improvements in obstructive sleep apnea symptoms after undergoing a thyroidectomy?
  6. Will I still need to use a CPAP machine or other treatments for obstructive sleep apnea after having a thyroidectomy?
  7. Are there any lifestyle changes or adjustments that I should make to support the success of a thyroidectomy for obstructive sleep apnea?
  8. How often will follow-up appointments be needed to monitor the effects of the thyroidectomy on my obstructive sleep apnea symptoms?
  9. Are there any additional tests or evaluations that should be done before deciding to undergo a thyroidectomy for obstructive sleep apnea?
  10. Can you provide more information on the specific studies or research that support the potential benefits of a thyroidectomy for obstructive sleep apnea?

Reference

Authors: Masarwy R, Kampel L, Ungar OJ, Warshavsky A, Horowitz G, Rosenzweig E, Tauman R, Muhanna N. Journal: Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2022 Dec;279(12):5801-5811. doi: 10.1007/s00405-022-07461-0. Epub 2022 Jun 20. PMID: 35723730