1. Do I have to undergo any confirmatory tests now that you suspect it to be snoring?
The need for a confirmatory tests arise only in case of differential diagnosis – when there are symptoms that are common to one or more condition which may need to be ruled out to proceed with the right line of treatment. This depends on your doctor. Sometimes, if s/he considers it necessary, a confirmative diagnosis may be made by a Sleep Specialist after conducting a Sleep Test where the patient is required to sleep overnight at the Sleep Center of a hospital/facility under the supervision of a Sleep Expert. The test will record eye movement, brain signals, blockages etc of the patient before coming up with results.
2. Does snoring get cured?
Yes for mild to moderate cases. This too will have to be checked for your case by the doctor.
3. What treatment options are available to treat my condition?
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): This mask is attached to a pump which forces air rhythmically into the air passage thus keeping it open. The device usually comes attached with a humidifier and is the size of a tissue box.
• Oral Appliances: Prescriptions of dental mouthpieces which push the tongue and soft palate forward to facilitate an obstructed air passage are common.
• Uvulo-Palato-Pahryngo-Plasty (UPPP): This procedure widens the throat by trimming the excess tissues there to keep it free from blockages.
• Laser Surgery: The LAUP is still not approved as a desirable treatment by the American Medical Association. It is similar to the UPPP procedure done with a device emanating laser beam.
• Somnoplasty: Somnoplasty is a quick procedure taking less than an hour using low intensity radio frequency signals to remove a part of the soft palate and/or the uvula.
• The Pillar Procedure: This is a new method also successfully used on patients of Sleep apnea. Here, miniscule plastic implants are inserted into the soft palate which stiffens it and reduces the flapping and snoring. The surgery takes less than an hour and is performed under local anaesthesia.
4. What will be the line of treatment you will follow?
This will depend on the seriousness, acuity of your case. The doctor will let you in on this. It could be combination of the above mentioned options along with some medications such as those that bring on symptomatic relief.
5. How long will it take to treat me?
Your doctor will inform you on this.
ALL INFORMATION GIVEN IN THIS ADVOCACY SHEET IS TO BE CHECKED WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE IMPLEMENTING THEM OR TAKING THEM AS STANDARD OR VERIFIED.
Mamta Singh is a published author of the books Migraines for the Informed Woman (Publisher: Rupa & Co.) and the upcoming Rev Up Your Life! (Publisher: Hay House India). She is also a seasoned business, creative and academic writer. She is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer & sports nutritionist through IFA, Florida USA. Mamta is an NCFE-certified Holistic Health Therapist SAC Dip U.K. She is the lead writer and holds Expert Author status in many well-received health, fitness and nutrition sites. She runs her own popular blogs on migraines in women and holistic health. Mamta holds a double Master's Degree in Commerce and Business. She is a registered practitioner with the UN recognised Art of Living Foundation. Link: http://www.migrainingjenny.wordpress.com and http://www.footstrike.wordpress.com