SNORING TREATMENT
SNORING TREATMENT
It is estimated that anywhere from 6 to 50% of the adult population snores, although in general the prevalence may be around 25%. Rates of habitual snoring are higher in males, those with increase in body weight and obesity, smokers, asthmatics and after alcohol consumption. Rates of high blood pressure and heart disease appear higher in snorers as well.
Snoring is not just a nuisance but a health hazard as well. Snoring is not normal. It often forces the partner to leave the room and can cause discord in relationships
FAQ ABOUT SNORING
WHY DO I SNORE?
WHY SHOULD I CARE IF I SNORE?
WHAT ARE THE HAZARDS OF SNORING?
HOW DO YOU TREAT SNORING?
CAN THESE TREATMENTS ELIMINATE SNORING?
WHAT IS SNOREPLASTY
A: An injection of alcohol or a sclerosing agent is performed to cause some loss of mucosa of the soft palate and scarring to stiffen the soft palate and reduce its vibrations during sleep. This is an office procedure.
WHAT IS RADIO FREQUENCY ABLATION OF THE SOFT PALATE OR TONGUE?
A: RFA of the tongue or soft palate causes stiffening of the tissues by scarring thereby reduces vibration. After local anesthesia is injected into the tissues tonumb the area a low level radiofrequency current is applied to the soft palate or back of the tongue for about 10 seconds. This results in shrinkage of local tissue and scarring. RFA is performed in the office.
Q: HOW LONG DO THE OFFICE RFA PROCEDURES TAKE? CAN I GO TO WORK AFTER THE PROCEDURE? WILL I NEED MORE THAN ONE RFA PROCEDURE?
A: The procedure may take 10-15 minutes but the overall duration including IV sedation/anesthesia may take longer. It is generally advised that you take the same day off from work. Mild to moderate pain may occur after the procedure so remember to take your pain pills as needed. You may need more than one RFA procedure for the soft palate or the tongue to further improve he sleep apnea or snoring.
WHAT IS THE PILLAR™ PROCEDURE?
A: The Pillar™ procedure implants are placed in the soft palate to stiffen the soft palate. They can be removed if not tolerated or may extrude by themselves given that they are a foreign body.
WILL INSURANCE PAY FOR IN-OFFICE SNORING SURGERY?
A: Typically insurance will not pay for in office snoring surgery but will pay for sleep apnea surgery, if prior approval is obtained.