Snoring & Sleeping Disorders
It is estimated that on average most people spend one-third of their lives sleeping. We need sleep to be more productive and a good night’s rest is crucial to our mental and physical welfare. From snoring, insomnia, or being sleepy during the day, all of us have experienced some form of sleep disorder but for others, frequent symptoms seriously influence their life. 20 per cent of all Americans are affected by the eighty-five-known sleep disorders and there are many contributing factors including lifestyle choices, allergies, environmental dynamics, sinusitis, asthma, emphysema, and various other breathing problems. Fortunately, The Virginia Institute of Surgical Arts, under the directions of Dr. Trang Vo-Nguyen (Dr. V), provides advanced diagnostic evaluations and effective treatments for all types of sleep-related problems. Dr. V is a trained specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the ears, nose and throat, (ENT) and she can determine if your sleep or snoring issues are caused by neurological and musculoskeletal diseases, lifestyle, or other circumstances.
At The Virginia Institute of Surgical Arts, some of the sleep disorders Dr. V treats include:
Snoring
One in four Americans has a problem with chronic snoring and if you are one of the millions of people whose life is disrupted by this condition, you have probably tried many over-the-counter devices that claim to help. The reason most of these products do not work is because they don’t address the specific cause of the snoring, which can only be determined by a trained otolaryngologist such as Dr. V. Snoring may start out as a minor nuisance but over time it can become a serious problem that can destroy or harm sleeping arrangement relationships. When you snore, both you and your bed partner may lose sleep and feel less rested.
Snoring is caused by vibration of tissue in your nose, mouth, and the back of your throat. Typically, it is caused by the movement of the soft palate (soft part of the roof of your mouth) but other contributing factors include being overweight, alcohol consumption, nasal passage blockage, and the position you sleep in. Sometimes lifestyle changes can improve snoring but for professional help, Dr. V offers a full range of treatment options, including the Pillar Procedure. This is a procedure where three small implants are inserted into your soft palate to stiffen the tissue and reduce vibration and more than 30,000 people worldwide have been treated with the Pillar Procedure.
Sleep Apnea
Many ear, nose, and throat (ENT) problems are associated with undiagnosed sleep apnea. Affecting more than twelve million people, in numerous cases a patient’s ENT problem will not improve until sleep apnea is diagnosed and treated. Sleep apnea is the term used to describe breathing problems that occur while you sleep. People who suffer from sleep apnea may have their breathing interrupted or they may actually stop breathing several times during the night and most people are not even aware of this frightening condition until a bed partner notices. Sleep apnea can either be caused by a blockage of the airway from loose or excess throat tissue or a temporary disconnection between the muscles you use to breathe and your brain. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea and it can affect anyone, even children. Diagnosis usually requires participating in a sleep study and a variety of options are available to treat sleep apnea, including medication, oral appliances, or surgery to widen the airway. If left undiagnosed and untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious or even life-threatening consequences.
Breathing Disorders
The Virginia Institute of Surgical Arts treats many breathing disorders including asthma and allergic rhinitis. Asthma, a chronic inflammatory disease of the airway, is one of the most common breathing problems in the United States and when you have asthma, you suffer from symptoms such as chronic coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Allergic rhinitis is also known as hay fever and the symptoms include congestion, sneezing, and red or watery eyes.
At The Virginia Institute of Surgical Arts, we are committed to doing everything we can to help you sleep and breathe easier. From infants to senior citizens, we deliver the highest level of care with the most up-to-date treatment available. Dr. V specializes in sleep medicine and by combining her extensive professional expertise and quality service, The Virginia Institute of Surgical Arts provides a unique environment to treat all of your snoring and sleep conditions. The Virginia Institute of Surgical Arts remains a leader in ENT care so if you are ready for a good night’s sleep, please contact us today.
