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Monday, November, 23, 2009
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John,   Thanks for your question   Before considering a surgical procedure for your snoring you need to have a full evaluation of your snoring.  I recommend you make an appointment with a Pulmonary specialist that is also certified in sleep medicine.  He will perform a thorough history and physical examination and then ask you to undergo a sleep study, which will take place overnight in a sleep lab.  You will be "wired up" to monitor your heart, breathing, snoring, eye movement, and muscle activity.    The important problem to rule out is Sleep Apnea which is a common cause for snoring.  People with Sleep Apnea actually stop breathing for several seconds.  This disrupts normal sleep patterns and can result in chronic fatigue, daytime drowsiness, irritable behavior, high blood pressure, and heart problems.  The cause could be due to an obstruction in the airway contributed by body sizeand neck thickness, or could be due to a problem in the brain itself.  In some people, there is a combination of both causes.    The good news is treatment is available and highly successful.  Patients have to wear a mask over their nose which delivers air under mild pressure.  This pressurized air overcome the obstruction and ensures good air delivery to the lungs.  This also eliminates the snoring.  Most people with sleep apnea find that with treatment, they feel more awake during the day, with more energy.  This will also improve your Lady's sleep.    You can start by contacting your physician for the name of a Pulmonary doctor certified in sleep medicine.  If sleep apnea is not your problem, then the pulmonary specialist will be able to discuss other treatment options for your snoring, including surgery.   Best wishes.   Martin Cane, M.D.
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