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Snoring Treatment
Snoring Treatment
Treatment depends on the diagnosis. An examination will reveal if the snoring is caused by nasal allergy, infection, deformity, or tonsils and adenoids.
Snoring or obstructive sleep apnea may respond to various treatments now offered by many otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons:
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is surgery for treating obstructive sleep apnea. It tightens flabby tissues in the throat and palate, and expands air passages.Thermal Ablation Palatoplasty (TAP) refers to procedures and techniques that treat snoring and some of them also are used to treat various severities of obstructive sleep apnea. Different types of TAP include bipolar cautery, laser, and radiofrequency. Laser Assisted Uvula Palatoplasty (LAUP) treats snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea by removing the obstruction in the airway. A laser is used to vaporize the uvula and a specified portion of the palate in a series of small procedures in a doctor's office under local anesthesia. Radiofrequency ablation—some with temperature control approved by the FDA—utilizes a needle electrode to emit energy to shrink excess tissue to the upper airway including the palate and uvula (for snoring), base of the tongue (for obstructive sleep apnea), and nasal turbinates (for chronic nasal obstruction).Genioglossus and hyoid advancement is a surgical procedure for the treatment of sleep apnea. It prevents collapse of the lower throat and pulls the tongue muscles forward, thereby opening the obstructed airway.
If surgery is too risky or unwanted, the patient may sleep every night with a nasal mask that delivers air pressure into the throat; this is called continuous positive airway pressure or "CPAP".
A chronically snoring child should be examined for problems with his or her tonsils and adenoids. A tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy may be required to return the child to full health.
Self-Help for the Light Snorer
Adults who suffer from mild or occasional snoring should try the following self-help remedies:
- Adopt a healthy and athletic lifestyle to develop good muscle tone and lose weight.
- Avoid tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and antihistamines before bedtime.
- Avoid alcohol for at least four hours and heavy meals or snacks for three hours before retiring.
- Establish regular sleeping patterns
- Sleep on your side rather than your back.
- Tilt the head of your bed upwards four inches.
- Remember, snoring means obstructed breathing, and obstruction can be serious. It's not funny, and not hopeless.
Can Heavy Snoring be Cured?
Heavy snorers, those who snore in any position or are disruptive to the family, should seek medical advice to ensure that sleep apnea is not a problem. An otolaryngologist will provide a thorough examination of the nose, mouth, throat, palate, and neck. A sleep study in a laboratory environment may be necessary to determine how serious the snoring is and what effects it has on the snorer's health.
Learn more about sleep apnea...
SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS
Coastal Ear, Nose and Throat offers specialized care including board certified/fellowship-trained physicians/surgeons treating adult and pediatric ear, nose and throat disorders. Our state-of-the-art equipment and facilities in Neptune, NJ allow us to expertly plan your medical and/or surgical care. Services include sinus surgery, Balloon Sinuplasty, minimally invasive skull base surgery, tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, ear tubes, tracheal reconstruction, mastoidectomy, stapedectomy, thyroidectomy, parathyroid exploration, head and neck cancer surgery, parotidectomy, sleep apnea surgery, hearing tests, hearing aids, and VNG (videonystagmography).
COASTAL EAR, NOSE AND THROAT, LLC , 3700 Route 33 Suite 101, Neptune, NJ 07753 * Phone (732) 280-7855 * Fax (732) 280-7815