BACKGROUND Carotid body tumor (CBT) is a chemoreceptor tumor located in the carotid body, accounting for approximately 0.22% of head and neck tumors. Surgery is the main treatment method for the disease. CASE SUMMARY We reviewed the diagnosis and treatment of one patient who had postoperative secondary aggravation of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and hypoxia after surgical resection of bilateral CBTs. This patient was admitted, and relevant laboratory and imaging examinations, and polysomnography (PSG) were performed. After the definitive diagnosis, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment was given, which achieved good efficacy. CONCLUSION This case suggested that aggravation of OSAHS and hypoxemia is possibly caused by the postoperative complications after bilateral CBTs, and diagnosis by PSG and CPAP treatment are helpful for this patient.