Sleep and Snoring Apnea

How will my physician investigate my snoring?

If you are considering treatment for your snoring, it is essential to rule out obstructive sleep apnea. A careful examination of your medical history will be done. An overnight sleep test is the accepted method of evaluating your snoring and breathing patterns. We will discuss the diagnostic alternatives available and recommend the best test for you.

What is Somnoplasty?

Somnoplasty uses low-power, low-temperature radio frequency energy to treat a well-defined area in the uvula or soft palate. The procedure takes place in our office under local anesthesia, and typically takes less than thirty minutes. Radio frequency energy is delivered beneath the surface layer of the soft palate, called mucosa. The treated tissue is heated just enough to create an extra area of coagulation. Over the next four to six weeks the treated tissue is naturally removed by the body, reducing the volume and stiffening the area responsible for your snoring. There may be some swelling and discomfort for a few days following the procedure, not unlike the feeling of an oncoming cold. During the next month or so you should experience a gradual decrease in snoring. Depending on your level of snoring the Somnoplasty procedure may need to be repeated. Since the delicate lining of the palate is protected, the Somnoplasty procedure is virtually painless and allows for a quick recovery.

Am I a candidate for Somnoplasty?

If you snore loudly and frequently and do not have other breathing disorders, the Somnoplasty procedure may be the solution for you. We will be able to evaluate your situation and determine whether you are a candidate for the Somnoplasty procedure.

How will my snoring be treated?

Non-surgical approaches include weight loss and other lifestyle modifications or the use of an oral appliance to reposition the jaw during sleep. A variety of traditional surgeries are available to reduce the excess tissue.

A revolutionary new treatment is now available. The Somnoplasty procedure gently reduces and stiffens the tissues in the soft palate and uvula, and does so without the pain associated with conventional and laser-assisted surgeries.

What causes snoring?

Snoring occurs when floppy tissue in the airway relaxes during sleep and vibrates. Most snoring is caused by an enlarged soft palate and uvula at the back of the mouth, though the tongue, tonsils, and adenoids and congested nasal passages can also contribute to the sound. The level of snoring can be aggravated by excess weight, alcohol intake, and smoking.

Is snoring dangerous to my health?

Snoring may be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, a serious disorder in which the snorer stops breathing several times an hour during sleep. We will perform a full examination to determine whether you are a "simple snorer" or if you have a more significant breathing disorder. Either condition may be easily treated - simple snoring with the Soomnoplasty.

Allergy Desensitization/Immunotherapy - Allergy Drops.UsinAe Sublingual (under the tongue) drops !!!

These take the place of "Allergy Shots".  The Allergy Drops are self-administered at home.  They only contain the allergic substances that you are allergic to.  These are completely natural and do not contain any chemicals or pharmaceutical drugs.  This technique, which has been used predominantly in Europe with great success, is available in this practice.

Dr Emanuel is one of the innovators of this latest technique in the United States. He has been treating his patients with sublingual drops for more than 15 years.

It is the mainstay for immunotherapy in children, and over the last descade, has been the only desensitization treatment employed for children in this practice. During the last five years it has also becomee the predominant method of immunotherapy in adults as well. 

It is extremely safe, and easy to use at home - no more office visits for allergy shots!!!