| Dangers of Snoring Even if earplugs work, it is still important to know what snoring really means By Raj D & Dawn Sin Around the world, 763 million people (of whom 60% are male and 30% female) are afflicted with snoring, a problem that disturbs their sleep and leads to a higher risk of developing heart attacks, high blood pressure and strokes. It is even considered legal grounds for divorce in several countries including the US! A serious problem Snoring sounds are caused by an obstruction to the free flow of air through the passages at the back of the mouth and nose. Dr Abdullah Sani Mohammed, head of the Ear, Nose and Throat Department at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Hospital, adds, “Obstruction is also caused by enlarged tonsils and adenoids (glands or lymphoid tissue in the upper part of the throat below the nose).” These obstructions can be caused by the tongue falling into the throat, allergies, throat weakness causing the throat to fall asleep, a mis-positioned jaw which can be caused by tension in muscles, and fat gathering in and around the throat. When airflow in the breathing passage becomes irregular, the soft palate starts flapping and produces snoring sounds. Although snoring can be annoying and the butt of jokes, it has serious health consequences. Dr Sani explains that there are basically two kinds of snoring. One is habitual or primary snoring and the other is snoring with choking (known as apnoea) and is considered very dangerous. “The person may have a condition called sleep apnoea, which can lead to hypertension, heart disease, heart failure, stroke, lung complications and even death,” says Dr Sani. Recent research also indicates that snoring may lead to diabetes. The theory is that snoring reduces oxygen intake, triggering the body to produce more catecholamines, which in turn may lead to insulin resistance, a known precursor of diabetes. Those susceptible to snoring People increase their susceptibility to snoring with certain behaviours: • Drinking alcohol, as it acts as a relaxant for throat muscles. • Smoking, as it irritates the soft tissue in the nose and throat. • Being overweight, as airways are reduced in size and squashed by fat deposits. • Hay fever and exposure to house dust mites, as they cause inflammation of the nose and throat. • Males are more prone to snoring and it usually worsens with age. So take snoring seriously, instead of just laughing it off Stop that noise The latest technology in the treatment of snoring is the Pillar procedure, in which three 18mm-long polyester inserts are implanted into the soft palate to stiffen it. Says Dr Huang Shoou Chyuan of Huang Ear, Nose & Throat Surgery at Gleneagles Medical Centre, “The theory is that snoring is caused by vibrations of the soft palate, so stiffening it reduces the tendency to vibrate.” Dr Huang has performed about 35 Pillar procedures since April this year, when the procedure was launched here. Best for those with primary snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnoea, the minimally invasive procedure is done under local anaesthesia and generally requires between 15 and 20 minutes. Downtime is insignificant and patients are advised to look out for excessive bleeding, difficulty swallowing, pain or sore throat after the operation. To pre-empt these problems, Dr Huang sends his patients home with antibiotics and gargles, gets his nurse to call and check on the patient, and schedules a follow-up consultation within a week of the operation. For Dr Adrian Saurajen of Ear Nose Throat & Snoring Centre at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, a holistic approach is key. He says, “I will prescribe some painkillers and antibiotics. I also advise patients to modify their lifestyle, like abstaining from alcohol, losing some weight, doing more exercise and giving up smoking. Good sleep hygiene like not sleeping on their backs will also help. I get patients to come back for a check up five weeks after the operation.” Dr Saurajen has performed the Pillar procedure on about 20 patients. Both Dr Huang and Dr Saurajen agree that best results can be noticed a month after the operation, and that most patients will find the results to their satisfaction |