Snoring and Sleep Disorders in Hudson Valley

Snoring is a fact of life for so many people. For some, it is a simple annoyance to their spouse of significant other while sleeping. However, snoring for a growing number of people is a more severe problem that indicates obstructed breathing, which can lead to dangerous consequences. Dr. Rubinstein’s expertise in sinus and allergy treatment can help those with snoring and other sleep disorders find relief through a variety of treatments.

Causes and Symptoms

The statistics are eye opening. Research shows that 45 percent of adults snore occasionally, but around 25 percent are habitual snorers. There are a variety of catalysts that can cause or contribute to habitual snoring. Certain cases can be cured naturally, while others require medical treatment. Some of the more common causes of habitual snoring include:

• Obstructed nasal passages cause by hay fever, allergy, cold, deviated septum, or other nasal deformity.
• Poor muscle tone in the tongue that may worsen with drugs that cause drowsiness or alcohol consumption.
• Being overweight.

Additionally, snoring can often be a primary sign of sleep apnea if accompanied by daytime fatigue, heart disease, high blood pleasure, episodes of breath pauses during sleep, and history of a stroke. Other common signs can be fatigue and headaches when you awake in the morning.

Dr. Rubinstein repaired my deviated septum about six weeks ago, and everything was excellent. Things are fine and I’m very happy. The recovery was good, actually better than I expected. The doctor and his team were excellent and highly recommend them to anyone.

Treatment

Dr. Rubinstein’s extensive experience can help diagnose the cause of your snoring and then administer the most effective treatment. During your initial consultation, Dr. Rubinstein will examine your neck, mouth, nose, palate, and throat, which will help him determine a course of action.

Additionally, snoring can often be a primary sign of sleep apnea if accompanied by daytime fatigue, heart disease, high blood pleasure, episodes of breath pauses during sleep, and history of a stroke. Other common signs can be fatigue and headaches when you awake in the morning.

There are a variety of treatments Dr. Rubinstein may administer to treat snoring including:

• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) surgery
• Thermal ablation
• Injection into the soft palate
• The insertion of stiffening rods (pillar implants)
• The use of an oral appliance to reposition the lower jaw
• Weight loss

Sleep apnea should be treated conservatively as invasive surgery often only reduces the snoring while the apnea persists.  One of the most common treatments for sleep apnea is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). This highly effective non-surgical procedure works by emitting a strong flow of air through a facial or nasal mask each time you inhale. This keeps the airway passage open.  UPPP, tongue reduction and or jaw surgery are reserved for those who don’t tolerate CPAP.

Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children

Snoring is an issue not just limited to adults, but in children as well. Children that do experience problems breathing during sleep experience what is known as sleep-disordered breathing. Symptoms include loud snoring, which may then be interrupted by periods of blocked breathing. They may also exhibit difficulty concentrating in school, bed-wetting, hyperactivity, and daytime sleepiness. Such things as obesity, enlarged tonsils and adenoids, and lower jaw and tongue abnormalities can cause sleep apnea in children. Dr. Rubinstein will typically suggest one or more of the following treatments for children experiencing sleep apnea:

• Surgical removal of the tonsils and adenoids
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
• Additional surgical procedures

Additionally, obesity is one of the primary causes for sleep-disordered breathing. Obesity in children can lead to many ear, nose, and throat issues including middle ear infections, sleep apnea, and enlarged tonsils.

Frequently Asked Questions