It is estimated that one in four people snore. This often occurs when the muscles of the palate and uvula relax during sleep. The result is physical obstruction to breathing. Snoring is socially disruptive to family life, causing other family members sleepless nights and making the snorer the object of ridicule. Some people who snore also have a medical condition known as sleep apnea. In this condition the air passage blocks off and the oxgen level in the blood decreases. This results in poor quality sleep. Adults feel tired and find it difficult to concentrate on tasks during the day. Children can have similar symptoms or show hyperactivity.

 

 

Sleep apnea is associated with an increase risk of hypertension, congestive heart failure, and other cardiopulmonary problems. It has also been shown to increase your chance of an automobile accident by decreasing reaction time. There are multiple causes of sleep apnea including tonsil enlargement, nasal blockage, cysts or tumors in the throat and obesity. We have the expertise to diagnose the problem and recommend treatment. Treatment may involve nasal CPAP, life style modifications and surgical procedure. One surgical procedure that our physicians have introduced to this area is the Pillar Procedure. This involves implanting material in the palate to stiffen it which decreases the vibration that often causes snoring. It can also be useful in some forms of sleep apnea.