Snoring, due to vibration of tissues in the throat can be a symptom of partial upper airway obstruction. Partial obstruction can lead to complete airway obstruction–medically known as obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).
Everyone stores to a certain extent. Studies estimate that 45% of men and 30% of moment snore on a regular basis. Frequently, people do not regularly snore can report snoring after an upper rear respiratory track infection, after drinking alcohol or when taking certain medications. About 15% of adults have obstructive sleep apnoea.
Individuals with untreated sleep apnoea utilises more healthcare resources, and they are associated with poor work performances and occupational injuries as well as traffic accident.
Unmanaged sleep apnoeic patients have any increased risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, sudden death and diabetes.
Causes
Individuals with apnoea have a narrow upper airway which can be related to enlarge turbinates, deviated nasal septum, floppy palate, enlarged tonsils and base of tongue.
Treatment
Treatment will be targeted at the respective area of narrowing. Not every individual with snoring should be treated with the same way.
In general, the patient will need to consult any ENT doctor, where he will undergo a detailed consultation. A detailed history is taken, and this is followed by a physical examination. The physical examination will include a nasal endoscopy.
If necessary, a sleep study can be arranged.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
The patient with a mask during sleep. This mass is connected by a tubing to the machine. The device detects any stoppages in breathing and generate a increase air pressure to prevent the collapse of the airway. This can be any effective option for individuals that are not suitable for surgical intervention or who are afraid of surgery.
If you have any doubts at all, let our ENT specialist Dr YT Pang do some definitive tests. The child could be screened for snoring and a diagnosis to be conducted to determine if the child is experiencing normal primary snoring or obstructive sleep apnoea. Treatment options would then be discussed.
