Forty-five percent of normal adults snore at least occasionally, and 25 percent are habitual snorers. Thirty percent of adults over age 30 are snorers. By middle age, that number reaches 40 percent. Clearly, snoring is a dilemma affecting spouses and family members. Snoring sounds are caused when there is an obstruction to the free flow of air through the passages at the back of the mouth and nose. This area is the collapsible part of the airway where the tongue and upper throat meet the soft palate and uvula. When these structures strike each other and vibrate during breathing, snoring and many a sleepless night result. Dr. David Volpi is a Manhattan otolaryngologist and the author of “Wake Up! You’re Snoring..” He is on the cutting edge of technology with a new technique called Injection Snoreplasty- a nonsurgical treatment for snoring.

Injection snoreplasty involves the injection of a hardening agent into the upper palate. Early findings indicate that this treatment may reduce the loudness and incidence of primary snoring (snoring without apnea, or cessation of breath). Those seeking injection snoreplasty to reduce snoring should first be screened for obstructive sleep apnea or OSA (frequent cessation of breathing due to upper airway obstruction) by undergoing a sleep test. If sleep apnea is confirmed, other treatment may be recommended.

Treatment
Dr. Volpi explains that, “Injection snoreplasty is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. After numbing the upper palate with topical anesthetic, a hardening agent is injected just under the skin on the top of the mouth in front of the uvula (upper palate), creating a small blister. Within a couple of days the blister hardens, forms scar tissue, and pulls the floppy uvula forward to eliminate or reduce the palatal flutter that causes snoring. In some patients, the treatment needs to be repeated for optimum benefits. If snoring occurs from vibrations beyond the palate and uvula and/or obstructive sleep apnea is suspected, further testing and alternative treatment options may be advised.” A thorough examination by an ear, nose and throat specialist is recommended to diagnose the source and type of snoring, and determine whether injection snoreplasty may be helpful.

Post-Treatment Follow-Up
Within the next week, the injected area will turn white and the mucosa will slough off, leaving a small groove. This is not abnormal. There may also be some mild swelling of the uvula. By the end of the second week, the white area disappears and the small groove begins to contract. By the end of the third week, the small groove becomes a thin scar, stiffening the palate. Improvement in snoring should be expected by the fourth week, perhaps sooner. Patients typically do not require pain medicine, although this will be provided if necessary. Antibiotics and steroids are also available, but likewise are usually not necessary. Initial clinical experience by Dr. Scott E. Brietzke and Dr. Eric A. Mair at Walter Reed Medical Clinic in Washington, D.C. involving 27 patients reported 92% success rate in snoring control. Repeat injections are sometimes necessary.

Who Is The Ideal Candidate For Injection Snoreplasty?
Injection Snoreplasty appears to suit many snorers. Dr. Volpi explains that, “Injection Snoreplasty only treats snoring where the snoring is due to the soft palate. Ideally the best candidate has soft palate flutter and no other cause. Injection Snoreplasty appears to be a good technique for women with early snoring and also in men who have minimum distortion of the soft palate and no additional causes in other parts of the airway that contribute to their snoring.” This procedure is not currently recommended as a cure for sleep apnea and its effect on sleep apnea is unknown.