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Sinus | Plastic Surgery | Snoring | Hearing | Throat | Head & Neck | Ears Snoring and Sleep Apnea DivisionSnoring is a common problem affecting an estimated 25-30 percent of adults. It is caused by blockage in the breathing passages including the throat and nose. The soft tissue of the palate and uvula (the "punching bag" in the throat) are a major cause of the obstruction in many cases. Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by intermittent episodes of apnea (periods where breathing stops) during sleep. Although these apnea episodes generally last between 10 and 30 seconds, in severe cases they can recur many hundreds of times each night and markedly disrupt sleep. Most commonly, sleep apnea is caused by a partial or complete blockage of the airway (obstructive sleep apnea). However, it can also be due to a decreased respiratory drive (central sleep apnea). In studies of middle-aged adults, health experts have found that sleep apnea affects approximately 9 percent of men and 4 percent of women. Symptoms of sleep apnea include excessive sleepiness during waking hours and loud snoring. In many cases, the patient's bed partner will observe the breathing disruption. Morning headache and dry mouth may also be present, and obesity is common, but not necessary. We look for whether you snore and whether you feel excessively sleepy during the daytime. On physical examination, our doctor will look for obesity and for any narrowing inside your mouth and throat (e.g., due to enlarged tonsils). Our Snoring & Sleep Apnea Division provides patients with surgical treatments including septoplasty and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) as well as in-office radio frequency surgery of the palate and nasal turbinates. Services on premises:
Sinus | Plastic Surgery | Snoring | Hearing | Throat | Head & Neck | Ears |
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