Snoring
is frequently associated with poor sleep as well
as sleep apnea and is a symptom that occurs when
a partial airway obstruction causes the upper
airway tissues to "vibrate"
thus producing the annoying nose that is so
upsetting to your bed partner !
Sleep
Apnea is defined as a failure to breathe properly
while you sleep. It is a potentially serious
disorder and OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) is the
most common form of Apnea and occurs because the
airway in the throat collapses, cutting off
airflow to the lungs. The other is CSA (Centra
Sleep Apnea) which occurs when the brain does not
send proper signals to the muscles controlling
breathing.
HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED ?
1)
Preliminary questionnaire and examination
2)
If indicated: A thorough assessment which may
include
A 24 hour Ambulatory Blood
Pressure Monitoring (ABPM)
A home Sleep
Polysomnography (to analyse your sleep
pattern)
Biochemistry Blood
Analysis (to assess any underlying
physiological issues)
HOW IS IT TREATED ?
The
treatment will depend on the underlying cause(s).
Excess weight, obesity,elevated blood pressure,
smoking, alcohol comsumption can be part of the
problem, in addition to the problems related to
the tissues in the upper airway.
Conservative
treatment can include lifestyle modification,
weight loss. minimization of alcohol consumption,
tobacco cessation ect...
To
address airway collapse, the usual treatment
options are 1) Continuous Positive Airway
Pressure Mask (CPAP) 2) wearing an oral appliance
or 3) performing a surgical procedure to alter
the upper airway tissues involved.
A
new scientifically validated method called NightLase.
Itis a
minimally invasive, safe, non-surgical modality
using our state of the art Er:YAG laser and a
proprietary treatment protocol with a dedicated
handpiece designed to effectively address the
problems related to the tissues of the upper
airway. The treatment usually requires 3 visits
over a period of 2 months.
Non ablative Er:YAG
tightening of the uvula, soft palate and
surrounding tissues.
No anesthesia - No needles
No pre or post treatment
pain
Three 20 minutes sessions
over 2 months
Immediate results from the
first day (in average 50% reduction)
Exclusion
criteria:
Pregnant women.
Patient having therapy
with photosensitive drugs.
Patient who has other
underlying causal factors and does not
wish or want to make the necessary
changes to correct such factors.
