Snoring / Sleep Apnea

Click here for the Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Evaluation Form

Snoring is a very common condition that is not easily remedied and can be a problem. Not only does your bed partner suffer; you could have a more serious problem. Snoring is present in about 90% of people who have obstructive sleep apnea. A sign of obstructive sleep apnea is snoring with episodes of silence and the struggle and arousal to breathe. This process interferes with sleep and can become life threatening and dangerous.

Apnea is the obstruction of airflow for a period of time and is diagnosed by a sleep study. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been associated with hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and excessive sleepiness, to name a few. A thorough history and examination should be preformed prior to treatment. Once a diagnosis has been established, directed treatment should be done.

Treatment of OSA includes non-surgical and surgical techniques. Non surgical intervention is the initial approach, with a sleep study or polysomnograph required for consideration of a surgical procedure.

OSA and Snoring can be treated in several non-surgical ways first:

• Change in diet
• Positional sleep changes
• Avoid alcohol before sleep
• Modification of behavioral patterns
• Wearing dental appliances made for OSA
• CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine)

Surgical procedures with variable success include:

• Nasal surgery
• LAUP (Laser Assisted Uvelopalatalplasty)
• Jaw surgery
• Pillar procedure

The goal of surgical intervention is to target the anatomical site that is felt to be most responsible for the obstruction. In maxillofacial surgery, promising method have been advocated and used with considerable success in selected patients. The surgeons of NTFOS work with multiple professionals to help diagnose and treat the problem.