Introducing a breakthrough in the treatment of SNORING
How Common is Snoring?
One out of every four people is a habitual snorer. The problem is more frequent in makes and worsens with age.
What are the Existing Treatments for Snoring?
Snoring ‘cures’ vary widely, ranging from sewing a tennis ball into a snorer’s pajama back to electric shock mechanisms that give the snorer an unpleasant jolt. Most of these remedies and devices are based upon some sort of sleep behavior modification, with the presumption that a person can be trained or unconditioned not to snore. Unfortunately, the snorer has no control over snoring whatsoever, and if these devices do work, it is probably because they keep the snorer awake.
What Causes Snoring?
Modern medical science has discovered that snoring is often related to physical obstructive breathing during sleep. This physical obstruction occurs when the muscle of the palate, the uvula, and sometimes the tonsils relax during deep sleep, and act as vibrating noisemakers when the air of breathing moves across them. Excessive bulkiness of tissue in the back of the throat as it narrows into the airway can also contribute to snoring, as can a long palate and/or uvula.
Should I Worry If I Snore?
Socially, snoring is disruptive to family life, causing other family members sleepless nights often resentfulness. Snorers become unwelcome roommates on vacations or business trips. Also, snoring actually disturbs the sleeping patterns of the snorer, making restful sleep difficult. Finally, snoring can be an indicator of obstructive sleep apnea – a serious medical problem.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is diagnosed when loud snoring is interrupted by episodes of completely obstructed breathing. The cumulative effect of these obstructed breathing episodes is reduced blood oxygen levels to the brain, forcing the snorer to stay in a lighter sleep stage so that the breathing passage muscles are kept tighter. This prevents the snorer from obtaining the rest benefit achieved only during deep sleep, and can lead to a tendency to fall asleep during day time hours – on the job, or worse, at the wheel of a car.
What is the Laser Treatment of Snoring?
Laser treatment is much like a visit to the dentist. The patient is treated right in the doctor’s office sitting upright and fully awake in a comfortable chair. After local anesthesia is applied, the laser is used to trim and reshape the uvula. Each session takes about ten minutes, and the full treatment is spread over 2 to five sessions spaced about 6 weeks apart.
What are the Advantages of Laser Treatment?
The multiple sessions keep the pain down; there is no bleeding with laser treatment and speaking is not affected. Patients go right back to their normal activity after each session. The biggest advantage to treatment with the laser is that it works. An immediate reduction in snoring is common, with significant improvement usually occurring after the second session. In 85% of patients, the snoring is cured, while an additional 12% report a reduced level of snoring.
How do I know if Laser Treatment is Right for Me?
The initial consultation with Dr. Murphy will include an examination to determine whether laser treatment for snoring is indicated. The procedure is only performed on adults over the age of sixteen. If you and Dr. Murphy decide to go ahead with the laser surgery, a series of appointments will be scheduled.
