Maria Victoria Fernandez Ochando: The Snoring Patient Journey
Snoring is defined as “the vibration of respiratory structures and the resulting sound due to obstructed air movement during breathing while sleeping”. It can cause sleeping disorders, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), increase in cardiovascular risk, headache, daytime drowsiness, irritability, lack of focus and decreased libido.
Laser therapy produces non-ablative thermal heating of the uvula, soft palate and surrounding tissues to perform tightening, reduce vibrations and expand the airways.
AIM: To describe the diagnostic evaluation, monitoring and the NightLase® procedure, showing results alone and in combination with weight loss.
Device(s) used: XS Dynamis NightLase® Erbium:YAG Laser (Fotona, Slovenia)
RESULTS: a 44-year-old male patient presented with related headaches, sleeping problems, sore throat and daytime drowsiness. Mallampati class II. Snorelab® showed 56% mean snoring before treatment, 30% after 2nd laser treatment and 20% after 8 kg weight loss. All the symptoms improved from the first session.
Topical lidocaine spray produced difficulty swallowing. Mucosal contraction could be seen immediately after laser application with no evidence of bleeding, severe inflammation, carbonization, necrosis or any other complication.
CONCLUSION: The NightLase® procedure is easy to perform, minimally invasive, safe, successful, with no need for anesthesia, surgery, home devices or medication. It improves sleep and life quality from the first session, with better results after 2-3 sessions plus weight loss when necessary
