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Snoring can be a social nightmare and an unrecognized health hazard. Severe snoring can result in complete blockage of the upper airway during sleep (sleep apnea), which, untreated can eventually develop into serious heart and lung problems in the future. Patients who have sleep apnea can have poor attention problems and excessive sleepiness during the daytime, which translates into an increased risk of work-related injury and motor vehicle accidents.
The physicians at the Andover Ear, Nose and Throat Center will perform a complete evaluation including specific diagnostic procedures, which will help localize where the obstruction and snoring is arising. We offer many different treatment options for patients with a snoring disorder, including the minimally invasive Somnoplasty technology. This technology uses the delivery of highly controlled radiofrequency energy to shrink tissues responsible for nasal blockage and snoring.
We participate in a monthly multidisciplinary conference to discuss our sleep apnea patients’ issues with local sleep medicine physicians, pulmonologists and oral surgeons in order to provide you with the best treatment option.
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My doctor said I need a sleep study. What does that involve?
A sleep study, or polysomnogram, is a diagnostic test which measures various vital parameters during a patient’s sleep. These include the stage of sleep, blood oxygen level, chest movement, air flow through the nose, heart rhythm and rate, eye movements and muscle tone. Multiple dips in oxygen level and peaks in pulse rate are found in people with sleep apnea.
What is CPAP?
CPAP is an abbreviation of continuous positive airway pressure. This is common treatment option for patients with sleep apnea. A nasal mask is worn during sleep which provides continuous air pressure specifically set to each person's needs to prevent collapse of the airway or throat. The pressure varies according to how severe the sleep apnea is and how much pressure is needed to prevent collapse.
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