Snoring & Sleep ApneaIs snoring or sleep apnea affecting your ability to get a good night’s sleep –or -- your and your family’s quality of life? Forty-five percent of normal adults snore at least occasionally, and 25 percent are habitual snorers. Problem snoring is more frequent in males and overweight persons, and usually worsens with age. What Causes Snoring?The noisy sounds of snoring occur when there is an obstruction to the free flow of air through the nose and mouth passages. People who snore may suffer from:
Is Snoring Serious?Socially, Yes! There's nothing good about it. Chronic snoring disrupts sleep patterns and prevents a good night's rest. It damages relationships when it makes the snorer an object of ridicule and causes other family members sleepless nights and resentfulness. Medically, Yes! When snoring is severe, it can cause long-term health problems, including a more serious condition called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which has been linked to health issues such as high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes and heart disease. Take our SNORING QUESTIONNAIRE and SLEEPINESS QUESTIONNAIRE to see if snoring may be hazardous to your health. Bring these Questionnaires with you for your appointment with Dr. Timothy Dunlevy, Board Certified in Sleep Medicine or Dr. Shelley Jaquish.
Related Resources: Obstructive Sleep ApneaWhen loud snoring is interrupted with episodes of totally disruptive breathing, it is known as obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder. People with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times. This means the brain -- and the rest of the body -- may not get enough oxygen. Because the snorer does not get a good rest, he may be sleepy during the day -- which impairs job performance and makes him a hazardous driver or equipment operator. Am I at Risk for Sleep Apnea?Sleep apnea can affect anyone at any age, even children. Risk factors include:
What Are the Effects of Sleep Apnea?If left untreated, sleep apnea can result in numerous health problems:
Untreated sleep apnea may be responsible for poor performance in everyday activities at work, motor vehicle accidents, and academic underachievement in school children and adolescents. Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea:
Can Heavy Snoring / Sleep Apnea 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. Dr. Dunlevy and Dr. Jaquish 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. Snoring TreatmentTreatment depends on the diagnosis. An examination will reveal if the snoring is caused by: nasal allergy, infection, deformity, or tonsils and adenoids. Dr. Dunlevy and Dr. Jaquish offer various office procedures and surgical treatment options for snoring or obstructive sleep apnea:
Related Resources:
For Kids! Pediatric OtolaryngologyA 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. Dr. Dunlevy and Dr. Jaquish have many years of surgical ENT experience in caring for children. Related Resources:
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or CPAPIf surgery is too risky or unwanted, the patient may sleep every night with a nasal mask that delivers air pressure into the throat. Related Resources:
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The information contained in this site is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the evaluation or treatment by an ENT specialist.