If you are someone who is looking for surgery to stop snoring, then this article is for you. Snoring can be embarrassing, not to mention painful. If you are someone who suffers from sleep apnea, you must do whatever you can to eliminate snoring. However, it is also up to your spouse or significant other.
There are many surgical procedures to cessation snoring. These procedures include; tonsillectomy, nasal polypectomy, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), genioglossus advancement flap surgery, and palatal lift surgeries.
Many people suffer from snoring and they do not understand what causes it. Many people will stop at nothing to get a good night’s sleep and end up trying out different types of things that claim to help them stop snoring. Some of the things appear to work for them, while others are left guessing what happened while having no luck in ending their snoring issues.
What Causes Snoring?
There are many causes of snoring and they usually fall into three categories: obstructive, central, and mixed. Snoring and sleep apnea can be associated with medical conditions such as obesity or diabetes; however, it is important to be evaluated by a licensed physician before any surgery is recommended. The effects of surgeries for obstructive sleep apnea can vary widely depending on the patient.
Snoring is the vibration of the soft tissue in the back of your throat and your nose when air is moving through it during breathing. The vibration is created by soft tissues rubbing against each other. Snoring usually happens when your windpipe narrows and when you breathe so fast that it becomes more difficult for air to move through your throat.
Snoring is not a disease; it is a symptom of a bigger problem and should be considered as such. While it may not be life-threatening by itself, snoring can be an indicator that something is wrong.
Snoring, or the sound of breathing interruptions during sleep that is louder than usual happens when your tongue falls back into your throat while sleeping. Snoring can be caused by several medical conditions, some of which are very serious. Although snoring itself is not life-threatening, it can disrupt your sleep cycle, decrease the quality of your sleep each night, and cause daytime fatigue. Snoring can also cause serious problems for you and your loved ones. If you often snore at night, you should make an appointment with your doctor to find out if any underlying medical conditions are causing it.
Some additional causes of snoring include;
- Sleep apnea
- Obesity
- Alcohol consumption
- Hormone imbalance
- Nasal obstruction
- Bad sleeping position
- Food allergies
- Age
- Issues with the soft palate, tongue, or throat
Types Of Surgeries To Stop Snoring
There are some surgical methods, including both open and closed surgical procedures, which require a hospital stay as well as some which can be performed as an outpatient. A doctor will decide as to what is the best method based on the cause of the particular type of snoring, whether or not there have been previous surgeries or if there are any other health issues that might interfere with a certain type of surgery.
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is a type of surgery that improves snoring and sleep apnea. It can be performed by an ear, nose, and throat surgeon; a maxillofacial surgeon; or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The effective surgical treatment of choice for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea is Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. The UPPP surgical procedure is effective in significantly reducing or eliminating snoring, while also increasing the patients’ quality of life through a better night’s sleep.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to stop snoring. In RFA, the doctor inserts a thin tube-like instrument through the nostril or mouth which reaches the back of the throat. The tip of the instrument emits radio waves that heat up and kill tissue in a particular area. This kills incrustations in a small rectangular pocket above the uvula also known as the eustachian tube.
Radiofrequency ablation is a non-surgical, fast, and painless treatment in which radiofrequency contacts are applied to the surface of the tissues you consider. This method has been used for years in other areas of medicine but has recently been adapted to snoring surgeries. Many patients are turning to this type of treatment rather than undergoing surgery.
Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA)
Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) is a surgical method used to correct snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The surgery involves repositioning the lower jaw to open the airway. MMA is a simple, safe, and effective surgical solution for treating nasal obstruction which can be a potential cause of snoring.
This surgery moves the upper and lower jaws forward. During this procedure, an incision will be made on the roof of your mouth to move your jaw forward. This shift in position can prevent or stop snoring, but it is a major surgery that involves the removal of a few teeth, and might not be reversible.
Which Procedure Is Best For You?
Snoring is a serious health problem that should not be ignored. It can lead to serious health complications, so the time has come to act. There are many types of treatment for snoring; The most effective procedures for snoring address the anatomy at the back of the throat, soft palate, or tongue.
Snoring can disrupt your sleep, leaving you tired throughout the day and leading to other health issues.
Snoring is not just about sleep — it’s a symptom of a bigger problem, which is obstructive sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea causes you to snore and wake up gasping for air. These apnea episodes can occur hundreds of times a night and disrupt your sleep.
The treatments for sleep apnea are surgical and non-surgical. Surgical treatments include surgical removal of excess tissue in the throat and jaw. Non-surgical treatments include oral appliances, which can reposition the jaw and tongue and hold them back slightly from blocking your throat.
If you need a solution to your snoring problem the best thing to do is to talk to your doctor. They will first evaluate your situation by conducting various tests and then they will recommend the best surgery option to match your specific needs.
