SNORING AND SLEEP APNOEA SURGERY
Snoring
Snoring is a common condition that affects many people, and it can disrupt both the snorer's and their partner's sleep. Snoring is caused by air traveling through a very narrowed passage in the airway.
Common factors that can cause snoring:
Sudden weight gain can cause the tissues around the throat to become thicker. When you lie down, it compresses the upper airway, which may lead to snoring.
Enlarged adenoids and tonsils, especially in children, can narrow the airways and cause snoring.
A deviated nasal septum, a common condition where the nasal septum is crooked, can also obstruct the airflow and cause snoring.
During pregnancy, hormonal changes and weight gain can lead to snoring.
Understanding the causes of snoring can help individuals take appropriate measures to reduce or prevent snoring.
Factors that may worsen snoring:
Alcohol and sedative medications
Smoking
Nasal congestion
Sleeping position
Overweight and obesity
Aging
Head and neck anatomy- deviated nasal septum, enlarged tonsils, enlarged adenoids, big tongue, retracted jaw etc.
Low thyroid hormone- hypothyroidism
What is SLEEP DIVORCE?
Sleeping in a separate room from your partner to get a good/ better night's sleep. It's not a legal divorce but rather a practical solution to reduce disturbances, such as snoring.
Habitual snoring occurs more in males than females.
What is OSA
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the muscles that support the soft tissues in your throat, such as your tongue and soft palate, temporarily relax. When these muscles relax, your airway is narrowed or closed, and breathing is momentarily cut off.
Symptoms of OSA may include:
Snoring
Witnessed episodes of choking or gasping for air while sleeping
Daytime somnolence
Changes in mood - depression, anxiety, irritability, aggression
Morning headaches
Poor concentration
Excessive teeth grinding or jaw clenching.
What to expect on your first consultation with Dr B
1. History taking
2. Examination
- This includes examination of the oral cavity with a headlight to assess the size of tonsils and overcrowding to the oropharyngeal airway (the space at the back of the mouth)
- Flexible endoscopy to assess inside the nose, the back of the nose, throat, back of the tongue and voice box.
3. If there’s a clinical suspicion of sleep apnoea
- A referral to a sleep physician for a home sleep study is warranted
Who is the best candidate for snoring procedure?
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Normal Body Mass Index (BMI= weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared.
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Or BMI < 35
Snoring is not a condition of overweight or obese patients only. A patient with normal weight may also present with severe snoring.