Positive Treatment For Snoring

October 01, 1985|By G. Timothy Johnson, M.D.

Dear Dr. Johnson: What is the mask treatment for snoring?

In individuals whose snoring is produced by excessive collapse and relaxation of the throat tissues--thereby leading to obstruction and vibration as air moves in and out of the throat when breathing--the application of an outside source of air under pressure may help to keep these passageways open and prevent snoring.

A mask is fitted over the nose and is attached to an air compressor to supply positive air pressure. It is inconvenient and even noisy, but it may work for some snorers.

As I have pointed out, there are now surgical procedures to tighten up the tissues in the back of the throat for individuals with severe and serious snoring problems. Another surgical procedure that still may be used

(especially when snoring is also accompanied by sleep apnea, or interruption of sleep) involves making a permanent hole in the breathing system below the voice box. This hole bypasses the throat area when open, and thus avoids the movement of tissues that lead to snoring.

Short of these surgical procedures, other maneuvers may be tried for mild cases. One involves sewing an object such as a tennis ball into the back of pajamas to keep individuals from sleeping on their backs--a position that often increases the tendency to snore.

The avoidance of substances that cause excessive relaxation in sleep, such as tranquilizers and sleeping pills, also may alleviate snoring. Some individuals find that elevating the head of the bed several inches also can lessen the tendency to snore.

Dear readers: The July issue of Child Health Alert points out that a popular adventure movie of the summer, ``The Goonies,`` portrays a young boy with asthma who resorts to his inhaler every time he faces a scary situation. As the publication points out, the film may have some good points in portraying an individual with asthma leading an active life, but it does not represent a positive model in showing the excessive use of an inhaler. Some parents of asthmatic children who use inhalers may wish to speak to their kids about the appropriate use of such devices.

Dear Dr. Johnson: Should skin be left on a blister after it is broken?

Whenever possible, skin should be left covering the blistered and sore area. Leaving the skin in place usually promotes healing.

Arthritis can be adequately managed in most cases, allowing continuation of a normal or near-normal lifestyle. To find out how, order Dr. Johnson`s comprehensive guide for arthritis sufferers. Send $2.25 to Arthritis, P.O. Box 533, Palmyra, N.J. 08065. Make checks payable to Newspaperbooks.