Laser Snoring Alternative
From LoveToKnow Sleep
A laser snoring alternative is one way patients with sleep apnea may be able to treat the physical issues contributing to their sleep apnea.
About the Laser Snoring Alternative
One of the common causes of sleep apnea is an excess of tissue in the back of the mouth and nose near the throat. The surgical treatment for this excess of tissue is called uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). This surgery is performed under general anesthesia in an operating room at a hospital. The surgery requires a full evaluation by a physician and can cause a significant amount of pain and recuperation time for the person who undergoes the procedure.
The laser snoring alternative, by contrast, can be done under a local in most cases in a series of three to five treatments that allows the soft tissue to be shrunk. Instead of removing the tissue, it is scarred and tightened. Outside the United States, some doctors are able to perform a partial UPPP with a cold laser and cortisone injections, making the entire procedure relatively painless.
Sleep Studies, Sleep Apnea and CPAP
A sleep study done in a sleep clinic can establish whether you are suffering from sleep apnea, which is a physical condition where the soft tissue in the throat and palate along with the tongue blocks the airways, cutting off the oxygen while you are asleep. For many patients, a diagnosis of sleep apnea can result in a prescription for a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine that must be worn when you sleep for the rest of your life.
CPAP can be uncomfortable, chafing and rubbing the face. It can force you to sleep in one position (typically on your back or on one side) and it can irritate your sinuses and cause you to swallow air, which can lead to painful gas. For some patients, CPAP can be a real turn off for partners, all but eliminating the spontaneity of affection and snuggling in the middle of the night because the face or nasal mask is in the way.
It can take months and sometimes years to get used to the CPAP machine. Some patients never do. Laser surgery, even if only partially successful, can mean an improvement to the quality of life for sleep apnea patients.
Laser Assisted Uvula Palatoplasty
Laser assisted uvula palatoplasty (LAUP) is a popular procedure with snorers whether they suffer from chronic snoring or sleep apnea. It is an outpatient procedure performed under a local anesthetic. The LAUP can leave you with a sore throat for a few days when you eat or drink, but it does not usually affect speech. The LAUP can require up to five treatments over the course of six to ten months.
Patients can experience significant reductions in their snoring over the course of the intervening months, but patients, particularly those with diagnosed sleep apnea should undergo a sleep study to evaluate the level of improvement.
Candidates for LAUP
If you or someone you love is considering a LAUP to reduce or eliminate snoring, you should consult a licensed otolaryngologist. Be sure to check their history and record of performing the procedure as well as any complaints that may have been filed. You should always seek a second opinion. Your general physician may be able to recommend an otolaryngologist or you may find one through your sleep center.Your doctor will perform a full diagnosis and evaluation to see if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Your habits (smoking, drinking) as well as your level of physical fitness and weight are all factors in qualifying for the procedure. In many cases, patients who undergo laser alternative snoring treatments can greatly improve their own quality of life.
Sleep apnea is a serious health condition; you should always consult your physician with regard to any treatment you are considering.
Learn More
This page has been accessed 15 times. This page was last modified 18:38, 29 October 2009.
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