Clínica Rinològica Maria Colomé Centre de Fisiopatologia i Cirurgia Nasal Funcional i Estètica

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Snoring and sleep apnea

Snoring and sleep apnea can lead to serious social and health problems. In our Rhinology Clinic we know how to avoid these problems and how to fix them.

Snoring is the vibration generated when there is an obstruction of the passage of air through the nose, mouth or behind the lower respiratory tract. Sleep apnea is the most exaggerated form of snoring: the passage of air is completely blocked periodically for a few seconds.

Do you recognize any of these symptoms?
You may suffer from sleep apnea or snoring, if you:
- wake up with a feeling of not having rested, with a headache
- have arguments because your snoring does not let others sleep
- experience shortness of breath or a feeling of a lack of air
- suffer from a lack of concentration or memory
- feel irritable
- have a decreased sexual desire or erection problems
- fall asleep while driving, or in unusual situations
If anyone has told you that you snore, or that you sleep at unusual times, and you are not aware of it, you are likely to suffer a respiratory problem. It is important to visit the doctor.
What are the consequences of snoring and sleep apnea?
Snoring and sleep apnea generate social and health problems that can be very serious.
- cardiovascular problems
given episodes of apnea, the heart has to pump harder to circulate the blood faster. Over the years, this can cause:
- an increase in blood pressure
- pulmonary and neurological problems
- premature ageing due to lack of oxygen
- risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attack
- Problems related to insufficient sleep.
The lack of a good night’s rest can lead to problems of different types:
- daytime sleepiness (sleep can be affected in dangerous situations or socially inadequate)
- decrease in concentration and activity
- depression, irritability
- sexual dysfunction
- problems co-habiting
When a person´s snoring affects others getting a good rest, it can generate serious problems of co-habitation.
What causes snoring and apnea?
The blockage of the air passage may be due to:
- lack of muscle tone in the mouth and throat
- excessive muscle relaxation during deep stages of sleep
- influence of alcohol or sleeping pills that accentuate muscle relaxation
- abnormal size of the tonsils, palate or uvula
- deformities in the nose or nasal wall that separates the nostrils
- Being overweight
What can we do for you?
We carefully diagnose your problem with breathing, and find the best solution.

The diagnosis of snoring and apnea is complex because different diseases can lead to similar symptoms. So we follow a protocol that includes different medical specialists, and study the person as a whole .

We’ll do a complete scan of the nose, mouth, palate, throat and neck to get an accurate diagnosis of the severity of snoring and possible consequences for their health. If necessary, we will make additional examinations such as CAT, cephalometry, MR oxymetry, Polysomnography, polygraph testing, and hormonal analysis.

Medication is not always the best solution in the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea.

In each case, the solution may involve:
- - behavior change:
    - avoiding alcohol, tobacco and sleeping pills
    - losing weight in the case of patients who are overweight
    - sleeping on the side, in the case of patients in whom sleep apnea occurs when they sleep on their back.
  - The use of a mask that generates continuous positive air pressure (CPAP)
  - Surgery: depending on the type of obstruction that creates apnea or snoring, surgery may be the best solution
  - A workshop on breathing and oxygenation, in order to re-learn to breathe well

If you have any questions, please contact us. We will answer your queries with pleasure.

Want to request an appointment? We will try to give you an appointment in good time.

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Snoring and sleep apnea