Snoring
Snoring is caused by partial blockage of the air passages during
sleep. Turbulent airflow causes vibrations of the palate and uvula
leading to excessive noise. Snoring may be associated
with sleep apnea. Apnea, or cessation of breathing, may occur if
the breathing passages become completely occluded. Snoring alone,
while not considered normal, is not life threatening. However, it
may significantly affect the quality of life of other family members,
particularly the snorer's spouse. Most persons who snore, but don't
have apnea, have difficulty breathing through their noses or have
excessively long palates or uvulas. Correction of these problems
can often be done in the office with laser surgery or with a new
technique involving injections of the palate, called Injection Snoreplasty
Sleep apnea, unlike snoring alone, is a potentially life-threatening
condition. Chronic obstruction of the air passages leads to extra
stress on the heart and lungs and can cause permanent changes
to their structure. Persons with sleep apnea are more likely to
develop hypertension and fatal arrhythmias.
It is often difficult to distinguish between snoring alone and
snoring with associated sleep apnea. Individuals with sleep apnea
usually awaken after a full nights sleep feeling unrested and
tired. Morning headaches are common. Frequent napping during the
day is common.
To diagnose sleep apnea, an individual must undergo a sleep
study, where they are monitored overnight. The test allows for
a quantification of the severity of the apnea and allows your
physician to choose a treatment plan which is best for you.
The treatment of sleep apnea is varied. Sometimes weight loss
alone is sufficient. Continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP
is the mainstay of treatment for sleep apnea. This device is worn
at night and delivers a continuous stream of air at a set pressure
to the nose and mouth to keep the airway open. When worn, the
machine is nearly 100% successful in the treatment of sleep apnea.
Surgical treatments for sleep apnea also exist depending on the
area felt to be responsible for the obstruction. Surgical management
may be as simple as laser surgery in the office. Consultation
with an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist is necessary to develop
a treatment plan appropriate for your specific needs.
