Snoring & sleep apnea diagnosis & treatment.Snoring affects 21 million adults in the U.S. It is more frequent in males and overweight persons and usually grows worse with age. The American Academy of Otolaryngology has estimated that 25% of normal adults are habitual snorers and 45% snore at least occasionally. Snoring occurs when there is an obstruction to the free flow of air through the passages in the nose and at the back of the mouth. The problem is often caused by a long palate that may narrow the opening from the nose into the throat. As it dangles in the airway, it acts as a flutter valve during relaxed breathing and contributes to the level of snoring. Snoring can be a symptom of a worse problem.Snoring can cause others in the household sleepless nights. Because of a spouse’s snoring, domestic quarrels can occur. However, snoring is not just a social problem that can be disruptive to the household, it can also be a symptom of a serious condition called obstructive sleep apnea that can lead to heart problems and other serious health problems if left untreated. Sleep apnea is far more prevalent in the general population than previously believed. Diagnosis is made when loud snoring is interrupted by episodes of completely obstructed breathing. The condition can be serious and sometimes fatal if these episodes last longer than ten seconds and occur more than seven times per hour. The cumulative effect is reduced oxygen levels to the brain, forcing the snorer to stay in a light sleep stage so that the breathing passage muscles are kept tighter. The snorer is then deprived of the rest achieved only during deep sleep and may lead to sleepiness during the daytime hours at work, at school or even behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Differentiating snoring from sleep apnea begins in an ear, nose and throat physician’s office, like that of Dr. William C. Porter, where a complete head and neck examination is performed. An interview with the patient’s spouse is recommended at this time. An overnight sleep study may then be necessary, as well. Setting the Valley’s standard for treating snoring & sleep apnea problems.Sometimes snoring can be corrected with a simple procedure. If this doesn’t work, more extensive treatment of the palate may be needed. Dr. Porter performs the latest surgical procedures, including septoplasty and palatoplasty, to normalize sleep. |