Snoring

Snoring is a problem that affects millions of people.  If you or your bed partner snore, it can be more than just an inconvenience.  Severe snoring can lead to sleep loss, which, in turn, can affect your activities of daily living and may be a sign of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.  Sleep deprivation can cause daytime drowsiness, headaches, and  weight gain.   If snoring is a problem for you or your bed partner, Dr. Aroesty can help.  Take a moment to fill out the Epworth Sleepiness Scale to determine if your snoring is a sign of a more serious condition.  Make an appointment with Dr. Aroesty for a consult to determine if you are a candidate for the Pillar Procedure^®, a revolutionary treatment for snoring.

What causes snoring?

Snoring can be caused by the obstruction of air flow through the passages of the nose and the back of the mouth.  A flaccid soft palate can vibrate and obstruct the flow of air.  45% of adults suffer from snoring.  It is more common in men and can worsen with age, alcohol ingestion and use of sedatives.

Is snoring serious?

Yes, snoring can lead to serious health problems including sleep deprivation, irritability, low energy levels, poor thinking and a compromised immune system.  It can put a strain on your relationship with your bed partner and cause them to lose sleep too.  Chronic snoring may also be a sign of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a disorder in which breathing is interrupted during sleep.  It is estimated that one in five adults in America suffer from mild OSA, while one in 15 suffer from moderate to severe OSA.  Children may also suffer from OSA.  If your child snores, has a difficult time breathing during sleep, is restless during the night or wakes often, you should seek medical advice.  Children may not seem very sleepy during the day (a key symptom in adults) but may not grow as quickly as other children their age.  Treatments for OSA vary depending on the severity.  People with OSA are more likely to develop high blood pressure (risking stroke or heart failure).  OSA can cause sleep deprivation, which, in turn, makes the patient more likely to be involved in accidents due to drowsiness.  Patients with OSA have been shown to have lower metabolism rates, weight gain and sexual dysfunction.

Can snoring and OSA be cured?

Any patient who snores loudly in any position, awakens gasping for air or is chronically disturbing their bed partner should seek medical advice to rule out OSA.  Dr. Aroesty will provide a thorough exam of the nose, mouth and throat to determine what treatment is best for the patient.  A Sleep Study may be ordered to confirm or rule out OSA.  Treatments vary by patient.  They include but are not limited to:

• Medication

• Pillar Procedure^®

• Septoplasty

• Somnoplasty

• Tonsillectomy/Adenoidectomy (most common treatment for children)

• Uvulopalatophargynoplasty (UPPP)

• Uvulectomy

• CPAP

• Oral Appliance

• Lifestyle Change (weight loss/smoking cessation/limited alcohol)

Treatment may include one or a combination of the above procedures.