Snoring is a common symptom, and is present in approximately 60% of men, and 50% of women above the age of 60. Simple or primary snoring is not dangerous medically, though it can cause significant social problems, e.g., divorce. The MetroHealth Department of Otolaryngology is capable of improving or eliminating primary snoring. Snoring may be a sign of OSA though, and therefore this dangerous disease state needs to be investigated prior to "cosmetic" snoring relief.
OSA affects 9% of men and 4% of women, while only 4% of men and 2% of women are symptomatic for OSA. The symptoms of OSA include daytime hypersomnolence, loud/persistent snoring, observed apneas or choking, morning headaches, and poor cognitive function. Obesity is the most common risk factor for developing OSA. Patients with untreated OSA are at considerable risk for an adverse cardiovascular event, e.g., hypertension, myocardial infarction, and stroke. The life expectancy of a patient with untreated OSA is considerably shorter than the normal population.
The treatment for OSA includes 1) reduction of risk factors (e.g., weight reduction), 2) medical therapy, and 3) surgical therapy. Medical therapy typically involves CPAP (continuous positive pressure); this is a mask which fits over the nose to blow in air and "pneumatically splint" the airway open. CPAP definitely works and will eliminate the symptoms of OSA. Unfortunately, some patients have trouble tolerating CPAP and therefore surgical options are available. A tracheostomy will bypass the obstruction, and alleviate OSA, although this is a cosmetically unappealing option. In certain patients, with favorable anatomy, we are able to trim the palate (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty), remove the tonsils, and possibly operate on the nose and jaw to minimize the collapse that may take place.
Patients with the symptoms of OSA are encouraged to undergo an evaluation to rule out this disease. Your primary care physician can arrange for a sleep study, or the Department of Otolaryngology or Division of Pulmonary Diseases at the MetroHealth Medical Center can be of assistance.
Primary snoring is snoring without sleep apnea being present. Techniques are available to treat this disorder, although insurance typically does not cover this expense. We have a radiofrequency device that can shrink the tissue of the palate, as well as stiffen it, to minimize or eliminate snoring. This is an office procedure requiring only local anesthesia (i.e., no intravenous medications or general anesthesia); patients can return to their job the same day with a mild sore throat.
Radiofrequency is also useful to treat mild sleep apnea, or to perform additional "touching up" of anatomy after formal sleep surgery.