Snoring & Sleep Apnea

Snoring

Snoring is a problem that affects millions of people.  If you or your bed partner snore, it can be more than just an inconvenience.  Severe snoring can lead to sleep loss, which, in turn, can affect your activities of daily living and may be a sign of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.  Sleep deprivation can cause daytime drowsiness, headaches, and  weight gain.   If snoring is a problem for you or your bed partner, Dr. Aroesty can help.  Take a moment to fill out the Epworth Sleepiness Scale to determine if your snoring is a sign of a more serious condition.  Make an appointment with Dr. Aroesty for a consult to determine if you are a candidate for the Pillar Procedure^®, a revolutionary treatment for snoring.

What causes snoring?

Snoring can be caused by the obstruction of air flow through the passages of the nose and the back of the mouth.  A flaccid soft palate can vibrate and obstruct the flow of air.  45% of adults suffer from snoring.  It is more common in men and can worsen with age, alcohol ingestion and use of sedatives.

Is snoring serious?

Yes, snoring can lead to serious health problems including sleep deprivation, irritability, low energy levels, poor thinking and a compromised immune system.  It can put a strain on your relationship with your bed partner and cause them to lose sleep too.  Chronic snoring may also be a sign of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a disorder in which breathing is interrupted during sleep.  It is estimated that one in five adults in America suffer from mild OSA, while one in 15 suffer from moderate to severe OSA.  Children may also suffer from OSA.  If your child snores, has a difficult time breathing during sleep, is restless during the night or wakes often, you should seek medical advice.  Children may not seem very sleepy during the day (a key symptom in adults) but may not grow as quickly as other children their age.  Treatments for OSA vary depending on the severity.  People with OSA are more likely to develop high blood pressure (risking stroke or heart failure).  OSA can cause sleep deprivation, which, in turn, makes the patient more likely to be involved in accidents due to drowsiness.  Patients with OSA have been shown to have lower metabolism rates, weight gain and sexual dysfunction.

Can snoring and OSA be cured?

Any patient who snores loudly in any position, awakens gasping for air or is chronically disturbing their bed partner should seek medical advice to rule out OSA.  Dr. Aroesty will provide a thorough exam of the nose, mouth and throat to determine what treatment is best for the patient.  A Sleep Study may be ordered to confirm or rule out OSA.  Treatments vary by patient.  They include but are not limited to:

• Medication

• Pillar Procedure^®

• Septoplasty

• Somnoplasty

• Tonsillectomy/Adenoidectomy (most common treatment for children)

• Uvulopalatophargynoplasty (UPPP)

• Uvulectomy

• CPAP

• Oral Appliance

• Lifestyle Change (weight loss/smoking cessation/limited alcohol)

Treatment may include one or a combination of the above procedures.

Pillar Procedure

The Pillar Procedure^® is an FDA cleared implant system to stiffen the soft palate.  It is used for snoring and mild OSA.  The Pillar® was designed to help patients sleep better, feel better and live better.

The Pillar Procedure® is performed in the doctor’s office.  It takes about 20 minutes, requires no fasting and is performed under local anesthetic.  Most people resume normal activities and diet the same day. Very little pain is reported after having the Pillar®. Detailed information on the Pillar Procedure® is available by visiting their web site at www.pillarimplant.com. Dr. Aroesty will also provide you with information during your consultation visit.

Ears

Otitis Media (middle ear infection)

Common condition, especially in young children, caused by an inflammation of the middle ear area.  Acute otitis media is the presence of fluid in the middle ear with symptoms of pain, redness of the eardrum and possible fever.  Chronic otitis media is the presence of fluid for six or more weeks and isn’t necessarily infected.

Causes

• Short/narrow Eustachian tubes that allow bacteria into middle ear.
• Enlarged adenoids that can interfere with Eustachian tube opening.
• Children exposed to second-hand smoke, day care or bottle fed are at higher risk for infection.
• Instances increase with family history of ear infections, upper respiratory infections or colds.

Signs and Symptoms

• Ear pain.
• Ear “tugging.”
• Irritability in non-verbal children.
• Drainage of fluid from ear (indicates possible ruptured eardrum).

Hearing & Balance

Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is a common condition that affects approximately 10% of the population.  It is most common in individuals over 60 years old but, is found in all ages.  There are three main types of hearing loss:

Conductive - Hearing loss occurs when the normal passage of sound through the ear canal and middle ear space is blocked.  This can be caused by wax, middle ear fluid or infection.

Sensorineural - Hearing loss occurs due to damage in the inner ear and/or the auditory nerve.

Mixed - Combination of both conductive and sensorineural hearing losses.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Our office offers state-of-the-art Audiological testing equipment to determine your audiological status and enable our professionals to recommend the proper treatment.  Hearing and balance testing are performed in this office.  If needed, our audiologist can fit you with a high-tech hearing aid to improve your quality of life.

Nose/Sinuses

Neck and Throat and Mouth

Dr. Aroesty and Michele Corrice, our Nurse Practitioner, are well trained and experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of neck and throat ailments.  From the simple tonsillitis to the complex head and neck cancers, our team of professionals are here to treat you and your family.