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WolvenFury -> RE: Sleep apnea. (9/15/2009 3:28:13 AM)
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There are also alternatives in surgery I wish to add if the CPAP machine is not working sufficiently for you. I underwent two of these three procedures when I was 14 and have never had any issue. The heal time was a total of about three weeks for me, but it may vary.
Septoplasty: Surgical altering of the nose itself, isolated to the septum portion. This will alter the cartilage and sometimes the bone in your nose. When I underwent this procedure, the surgeon removed some of the cartilage from the septum and shaved down a small portion of the bone.
Bilateral Turbinate Excision or Reduction: This surgery is isolated to the turbinates, which are a portion of the upper nasal passages. This is the most painful part, as the packing will increase sinus pressure while in place, and will hurt for a short while after removal. The term "bilateral" merely signifies both sides, while an excision is the surgical removal of something, in this case a portion of the turbinates. Most often, the area surgically altered will be the inferior turbinates.
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, or UPPP: A surgical altering of the uvula, palate, and pharynx. This was deemed unnecessary in my case but may be needed in some cases of severe sleep apnea. The uvula is the small part in the back of the mouth, most often known by laypeople as the organ used as a punching bag in the old Tom and Jerry cartoons. If enlarged, this may block the airway during inhalation and contribute to the volume of snoring when exhaling. The palate, in this case the soft palate, is also surgically altered if needed. This is the part from which the uvula hangs. It closes the nasal passages when you swallow so that food and liquid does not damage the nasal passages. The final part is the pharnyx, which is the place where the nasal passages meet the oral cavity. The epiglottis is the part that will most likely be altered here. It is a small piece of the pharnyx which covers the trachea, or airway, when you swallow so you do not come to harm when consuming food or drink. It is a major factor in snoring, and lends heavily to the distinctive vibration when a person snores.
The surgical altering of the nasal passages and oral cavity is a serious procedure, and should only be attempted when use of a CPAP is ineffective or when the use of a CPAP proves to be a major interruption to the daily life and function of the patient.
I hope this helps you if the CPAP turns out to be ineffective. I wish you the best.
-Leo, RPT/CPT and medical student
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