Symptoms Of Acromegaly

Acromegaly is a rare medical condition in which the body's pituitary gland produces an excessive amount of growth hormone. Typically, this condition is caused by benign tumors on the pituitary gland itself. The majority of patients with acromegaly are middle-aged. Symptoms appear slowly, often over the course of several years, and the disorder is often diagnosed late. Doctors perform a blood test to check if a patient's level of growth hormone is too high for their age when testing for the condition. Patients may also have a glucose tolerance test and a brain scan to check for tumors on the pituitary gland. Patients with acromegaly often experience the symptoms outlined below.

Severe Snoring

Acromegaly often leads to bone and cartilage overgrowth and can affect the jaw and teeth, obstructing the airway and causing patients to develop severe snoring. Severe snoring can often be a symptom of sleep apnea. This condition occurs when patients stop breathing for a few moments many times during the night. If patients with acromegaly snore severely, they should ee a sleep specialist to undergo a sleep study. During the study, they will sleep overnight at a medical facility while their heart rate, respiration, and other vital signs are continuously monitored. If patients are found to have sleep apnea or another related issue, they may be offered medication and a CPAP machine to help ensure they get sufficient oxygen overnight. Occasionally, snoring caused by an overgrowth of cartilage can be treated with surgical removal of the excess cartilage. An ear, nose, and throat specialist can evaluate patients with potential cartilage issues and provide treatment recommendations.

Learn more about the symptoms of acromegaly now.