Snoring may be a sign of a more dangerous problem called obstructive sleep apena. This happens when the airway becomes obstructed, either by excess weight or weak muscle tone. It may even obstruct the airway completely forcing the sufferer to stop breathing. One of the most common ways prescribed to cure this problem the use of a C PAP machine.
A C PAP machine generates a stream of air and emits it through a hose and into a mask at a steady pressure. The air from the machine enters the sufferer's airway, prevents it from closing off, and eliminates the snoring at the same time. This also makes an excellent temporary solution while waiting for other treatments such as lifestyle changes to take effect.
Lifestyle Changes
Many of the choices made in everyday life can cause someone to snore. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and certain medications can all cause the muscles surrounding the airway to relax, which lead to an increase in snoring. Medication can't generally be stopped just to prevent snoring, but snoring caused by smoking and alcohol will often clear up as soon as the patient eliminates these habits.
Being overweight or out of shape is one of the most common causes of obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. In these cases, fatty tissue and a lack of tone in the muscles both place pressure on the airway causing it to narrow and become obstructed. Therefore, a diet and exercise program is often enough to stop the noisy sleeping problem and get a good night's rest. Many sufferers have also found that sleeping on their sides rather than their back is often enough to prevent snoring.
Surgery
If excess tissue, an abnormality, or hereditary causes the snoring or sleep disorder, surgery is often the only real solution available to patients. Depending on where the airway narrows, the treatment could be a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy, Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty or Thermal Ablation Palatoplasty, all of which remove excess tissue from the nose or throat, or move the jaw.
One of the newest procedures is called a palatal implantation. This involves inserting soft implants measuring less than a half inch in length with a special tool. The implants tighten the tissue around the affected area, which stops the vibrations and the noise.
Some may find this more attractive than surgery because there is no need for a general anesthetic and it can be done in the local doctor's office. Unfortunately, very few doctors are familiar with the procedure, so having it performed can be difficult. It also means that this is an expensive option that often isn't covered by health insurance.
These are just three of the cures available for snoring and sleep apnea. The correct treatment will depend on the exact cause of the sleep disorder, but regardless, it's important to have it treated before it makes a significant impact on the patient's daily life.
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