The LAUP procedure is a laser surgical procedure designed to sequentially trim and shorten these structures, thus preventing or reducing snoring.

Risks and ComplicationsYou have the right to be informed that the surgery may involve risks of unsuccessful results, complications, or injury from both known and unforeseen causes. Because individuals vary in their tissue circulation and healing processes, as well as anesthetic reactions, ultimately there can be no guarantee made as to the results or potential complications. The following complications have been reported in the medical literature. This list is not meant to be inclusive of every possible complication. They are listed here for your information only, not to frighten you, but to make you aware and more knowledgeable concerning this surgical procedure.

1. Failure to resolve the snoring. Most surgeons feel that about 85% of patients who undergo a LAUP will have a significant or complete resolution in their snoring; and an additional percentage of patients will notice reduced levels of snoring such that their sleep partners will report that it’s level is no longer offensive.

2. Failure to cure sleep apnea or other pathological sleep disorders. Pathological sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, are medical problems which may have associated serious complications. At this time, the LAUP procedure has not been proven to cure these disorders.

3. Bleeding. In very rare situations, a need for blood products or a blood transfusion. You have the right, should you choose, to have autologous or designated donor directed blood pre-arranged. You are encouraged to consult with your doctor if you are interested.

4. Nasal regurgitation, a change in voice, or velopharyngeal insufficiency when liquids may flow into the nasal cavity during swallowing (rare).

5. Failure to resolve coexisting sinus, tonsil, or nasal problems.

6. Need for revision, or further and more aggressive surgery.

7. Prolonged pain, impaired healing, and the need for hospitalization

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In general, surgery for sleep apnea is only about 50% successful. However, you would need to talk with your surgeon regarding your specific situation. Surgery is usually recommended only after medical therapy has failed. If your main concern is the snoring, then either the laser procedure or the new Somnoplasty carries about an 85% success rate for resolution of the snoring.

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Your problems can be evaluated by an Ears, Nose, Throad (ENTor otolaryngologist) doctor–if you are having sleep problems associated with significantly enlarged adenoids and a very relaxed palate then various surgical operations may be necessary to review. The problem is not one of too little oxygen, but rather may be related to anatomical issues (how his air passages are designed). Speak with your doctor about this. Many times it is helpful to make a video tape for either his doctor or the ENT doctor to see–a picture and sound is worth a thousand words.

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Other more rare causes of sleep apnea include any congenital (present from birth) or acquired cause of upper airway obstruction.

The treatment of obstructive sleep apnea is directed to the cause of the obstruction.

As noted above, most cases of obstructive sleep apnea in children is caused by enlarged tonsils and adenoids. Surgical interventions are therefore directed to what is causing the obstruction. In the case of enlarged tonsils and adenoids, tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy is usually successful in relieving the problem. If the problem is not the tonsils and adenoids, the cause of the obstruction must be determined. For example, surgery of the jaw may be required. In some cases, even a tracheostomy is necessary. Non-surgical therapies include oral prostheses (difficult in children), medications (steroids, stimulants), and weight reduction.

In almost every case of obstructive sleep apnea in children who do not have unusual anatomic problems, tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy is a safe and effective treatment, and is highly recommended.

For more information visit: http://www.melatrol.com/?aid=847674

Other more rare causes of sleep apnea include any congenital (present from birth) or acquired cause of upper airway obstruction.

The treatment of obstructive sleep apnea is directed to the cause of the obstruction.

As noted above, most cases of obstructive sleep apnea in children is caused by enlarged tonsils and adenoids. Surgical interventions are therefore directed to what is causing the obstruction. In the case of enlarged tonsils and adenoids, tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy is usually successful in relieving the problem. If the problem is not the tonsils and adenoids, the cause of the obstruction must be determined. For example, surgery of the jaw may be required. In some cases, even a tracheostomy is necessary. Non-surgical therapies include oral prostheses (difficult in children), medications (steroids, stimulants), and weight reduction.

In almost every case of obstructive sleep apnea in children who do not have unusual anatomic problems, tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy is a safe and effective treatment, and is highly recommended.

For more information visit: http://www.melatrol.com/?aid=847674

Treatments For Sleep ApneaSome machines deliver air pressure, grater than that of the surrounding air through a mask placed over your nose while you sleep. This is called continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and is just enough to keep your upper airway passages open and prevent you from snoring. It works for moderate or severe sleep apnea, but is somewhat uncomfortable and using it requires adjustment time. Trying on more than one mask and using a humidifier with your CPAP machine could be helpful. Always consult a doctor before you quit using the CPAP machine, since minor adjustments might fix the problem.There are devices that automatically adjust the air pressure while you sleep and might be better than the CPAP. These are units that supply bilievel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) and provide more pressure when you inhale and less pressure when you exhale.One recently approved airflow device is Adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV). It learns your normal breathing pattern and saves it into a computer. During sleep the device uses pressure to normalize yout breathing and prevent pauses. ASV may be more successful than CPAP at treating central sleep apnea, but there hasn’t been enough research yet.Easier to use than a CPAP but less effective are oral appliances. They are designed to keep your throat open by bringing your jaw forward. This sometimes relieves snoring and can treat mild obstructive sleep apnea. Oral devices can usually be supplied by your dentist. There are many different ones and it might take some time until you find the best fit. Always follow up with your dentist at least twice a year to reassess your symptoms and make sure that the fit is still good for you.People whose tongue is the main source of obstruction when they lye on their back might benefit from tongue-restraining devices (TRDs), which is a suction cup that is gripped with the teeth and sucks the tongue forward.Surgery For Sleep ApneaWhen you have sleep apnea, your air passages are blocked or you have extra tissue around your nose and throat that may be vibrating and causing snoring. The goal of surgery for sleep apnea is to remove the extra tissue. There are several ways to do this:Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) – Extra tissue is removed from the rear of your mouth and the top of your throat, most likely including the tonsils and adenoids. If, however, there is tissue farther down your throat, it will not be removed during the operation and will continue to cause trouble while you sleep.Maxillomandibular advancement – It makes obstruction less likely by moving forward the upper and lower part of your jaw from the remainder of your face bones, which enlarges the space behind the tongue and soft palate.Tracheostomy – this is the most serious procedure, done only when you have life-threatening sleep apnea. A metal or plastic tube is inserted through an opening in your neck, to assist your breathing. The opening is kept covered during the day and uncovered at night.Laser-assisted ululopalatoplasty and Radiofrequency ablation – these are procedures where your doctor removes tissues in the back of your throat with a laser or radiofrequency energy. They are used to treat snoring but are not recommended as sole treatments for obstructive sleep apnea. Other procedures for reducing snoring are nasal surgery and surgery to remove enlarged tonsils and adenoids.Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies For Sleep ApneaThere are many things you can do on your own to manage or treat obstructive sleep apnea and possibly central sleep apnea.Lose WeightQuit SmokingAvoid alcohol and certain medicationsSleep on your side or abdomenKeep your nasal passages open at nightTreat heart or neuromuscular disordersTreat allergies and respiratory infections

Alternative Sleep Apnea TreatmentsTreating sleep apnea with tea therapy:A cup of hot tea before bedtime can promote normal and restful sleep. There are several types of tea known for their ability to promote sleepiness:Sleepy Time TeaChamomile TeaValerian TeaHops TeaCatnip TeaTreating sleep apnea with homeopathyIt is important you consult a homeopathic practitioner before you start any treatment. According to the constitutional type of the person different types of treatments will be recommended. Diet should be closely monitored, eliminating sugar and other allergic foods, since homeopathic practitioners believe sleep apnea is related to a loss of energy.Treating sleep apnea with yogaYoga is appropriate for all ages and can greatly reduce stress and improve the quality of sleep. Their are breathing and relaxation techniques that will relieve your sleep apnea. The special type of yoga that promotes sleep is called Yoga Nidra, which in Sanskrit means Sleep. Yoga uses breathing and visualization techniques to help you relax, and it is recommended you do the exercises every night before sleep.Treating sleep apnea with acupunctureIn Chinese medicine acupuncture has been used for a long time to treat sleeping disorders. Many techniques have been developed to improve the ease, duration, and quality of sleep. The procedure known as acupressure consists of applying to identified body points related to sleep issues.For more information on treating sleep apnea and a detailed explanation of each sleep apnea treatment, please visit Cure Sleep Apnea Now.