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Until recently,
snoring has been largely ignored by medical science. While the snorer
sleeps undisturbed, the sleepless listener develops
the chief symptoms of a disease that afflicts also the unafflicted.
Snoring is more widespread then generally believed. Up to 45% of
adults snore occasionally, while 25% are habitual snorers. Snoring
is more common in males, increases with age in both sexes and is
3 times more common in the obese. The majority of people over the
age of 65 snore.
Rarely does the snorer himself seek medical attention. For reasons
that are not understood, the snorer does not hear himself regardless
of the loudness. Sounds in excess of 80dB have been recorded. The
snorer usually comes at the insistence of a bed partner or former
partner. Currently, the general public and much of the medical profession
are unaware of the potentially serious disorders associated with
snoring. Complaints will be related to the loudness and frequency.
Since occasional, light snoring causes no ill effect, patients such
as these probably need no treatment. However, rarely do these people
seek medical attention.
The social embarrassment caused and felt by these people is never
to be ignored and is not an uncommon cause for marital disharmony.
Snoring and sleep apnoea are related. Snoring increases in severity
over time and can progress to sleep apnoea.
Recent sleep studies have linked snoring to systemic and pulmonary
hypertension, right heart failure, cor pulmonale, secondary polycythemia
and cardiac arrhythmias. During sleep severe snorers may experience
apnoea, oxygen desaturation, carbon dioxide retention and nocturnal
pulmonary and systemic hypertension.
Causes
Snoring occurs when floppy tissue in the airway relaxes during sleep
and vibrates. Most snoring is caused by an enlarged soft palate
and uvula (little tongue) at the back of the mouth, the tongue,
tonsils, adenoids, and congested nasal passages can also contribute
to the sound. The level of snoring can be aggravated by excess
weight, alcohol intake and smoking.
Treatment
Your physician will perform a full examination to determine whether
you are a simple snorer or if you have a more significant breathing
disorder. A sleep study will be arranged at the sleep laboratory
and the results interpreted by an ENT surgeon whose area of expertise
is in upper airway obstructive disorders. Either condition may
be easily treated - simple snoring with a Radiofrequency surgical
procedure, and obstructive sleep apnea by a variety of other approaches.
Radiofrequency Palatoplasty (COBLATION R) is a revolutionary new
treatment now available. The tissue in the soft palate and uvula
are reduced and stiffened without the pain associated with conventional
laser assisted surgery.
This is a fast and effective way to reduce uvulopalatal snoring,
without the pain and inconvenience associated with traditional surgical
techniques.
It is performed in an out-patient setting under local anesthesia.
The procedure itself takes less than 15 minutes of surgical time.
The unique design of the needle electrode and the automated control
of the tissue temperature protects the mucosa. After the procedure,
most patients take only over-the-counter analgesics They will usually
experience a reduction of snoring within six to eight weeks.
Non- surgical approaches include weight loss and other lifestyle
modifications.