Nasal Strips Article

Laser Surgery for Snoring

According to statistics, nearly half of the world’s adult population snores on an occasional basis and one quarter are classified as chronic snorers. Men, elderly and obese people are more prone to snore, but women and children also make the dreadful sleep disrupting sound.

Medically, the harsh vibration known as snoring is caused by the obstruction of free air flow vibrating against the soft tissue of the throat and nose region. It is well known that snoring is annoying, but now scientists are discovering that snoring has links with obstructive sleep apnea and Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS), hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.

Because of these recent findings, snorers are becoming more proactive in seeking successful and long term remedies for snoring. Frustrated with home remedies, orthodontic appliances, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machines—which were all less than successful, snorers agreed to undergo a treatment procedure known as Laser-Assisted Uvula Palatoplasty or LAUP.

The laser surgery works by vaporizing both the uvula and part of the snorer’s soft palate over a series of five clinical visits encompassing 5-8 months. The surgery is done in an outpatient setting with local anesthetic.

Most of those treated with LAUP are able to return to the daily tasks and routines immediately, although some report sever sore throat sensations lasting up to 10 days post surgery. The use of analgesics and medicines to reduce inflammation helps the pain.

Those who received the LAUP treatment report 90% improvement rates for snoring reduction and sleep apnea incidents. Because the surgery causes scarring of the soft palate, more obstruction in the area can actually lead to increased snoring rates rather than decreasing them. A success rate of 33% is officially noted for those treated by this laser surgery for snoring.

SHOULD YOU GET THE LAUP TREATMENT?

You could be a candidate for the LAUP treatment if you’ve been unsuccessful at all other possible treatments and if your snoring causes problems with relationships to those around you. Before undergoing laser surgery you must be checked by an otoralaryngologist. In this way, you will be cleared of diseases causing the snoring problem and will be a prime candidate for this revolutionary treatment Snorers are eager to try this regime and are hopeful for a long-term success fate.