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The type of treatment envisaged will obviously depend on
- the patient's wishes
- the results of the clinical examination
- the results of the nocturnal polygraph examination
Hygienic-dietary rules
In all cases, certain rules need to be respected, which will very often reduce snoring and obstructive sleep disorders, but rarely make them disappear.
It's always best to sleep in the lateral position, since the worst sleep is in the dorsal position, which causes the base of the tongue and soft palate to droop.
It is essential to avoid drinking alcohol in the evening, as this will automatically increase snoring.
Excessive weight should be kept under control: losing several kilos will usually reduce some snoring, but rarely eliminate it.
Any medication likely to increase hypotonia, such as hypnotics or anxiolytics, or even antidepressants, can also increase nocturnal muscular relaxation and thus snoring and apneas.
Possible treatments
In addition to hygienic and dietary rules, there are a number of possible treatments: those that attempt to suppress snoring or apnea, and those that essentially treat severe apnea but do not cure it.
Local sprays are usually totally ineffective, but they can "grease" the airways for a few minutes, and can be partially effective in cases of dry mouth.
Treatments that attempt to definitively eliminate snoring and apnea are reserved for patients with no apnea or mild to moderate apnea, more rarely severe.
- Nasal unblocking by septoplasty and turbinoplasty
- Reduction of soft palate and uvula (radiofrequency, laser)
- Tonsil removal or tonsillectomy
- Reducing lingual drop: mandibular protraction orthosis
Depending on the results of the clinical examination and the patient's wishes, these different treatments can be combined, either at the same time or at a later date.
Severe apneics can benefit from nocturnal positive pressure ventilation, which prevents apnea but does not prevent recurrence when the machine is discontinued. The effectiveness of this type of treatment is remarkable, and enables the patient to become aware of the various symptoms caused by his or her sleep disorder.
