Wednesday, November 24, 2010



Chronic snoring cures

During normal breathing, air passes through the throat on its way to the  lungs. The air travels past the soft palate, uvula, tonsils, and tongue. When a  person is awake, the muscles in the back of the throat tighten to hold these  structures in place preventing them from collapsing into the airway. During  sleep, these structures can fall into the airway causing snoring and obstructive  sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is characterized by loud snroing and distrubed or interruped  sleep patterns. Sleep apnea can have serious consequences including cardiac  problems. Frequently patients will awaken in the morning with a headache. If  they become sleep deprived they may feel sleeppy all day, and may fall asleep  while driving in the car.

Sleep apnea is diagnosed by a sleep study. During a sleep study, the  patient's breathing patterns, heart rhythim and brain waves are monitored.

If it is found that sleep apnea is present, most doctors recommend the use of  CPAP. CPAP is a breathing device worn during sleep to help keep the airway open.  In some situations surgery is recommended. The uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with or  without tonsillectomy are surgical procedurs designed to open the airway. In  rare situations, a tracheostomy is necessary. These are procedures designed to  circumvent this sleep related collapse of these structures.

For more information visit: http://www.melatrol.com

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