Snoring
Snoring may be due to several causes:
- The nose
- The throat
- Body shape, size and weight
The role of UPPP surgery for treating snoring
- Snoring occurs when the side walls of the throat are drawn inwards and the uvula (soft palate) vibrates as air passes over the surface producing the snoring sound
- The uvula normally functions to separate the throat from the nose
- The uvula itself however, can be quite enlarged in some people and making a snoring noise
- Snoring occurs when sleeping, as during this time there is a reduction in muscle tone, allowing excess throat tissue to be drawn closer together and vibrate
- UPPP surgery is an effective snoring remedy and successfully reduces snoring to an acceptable level in over 90% of patients
Snoring remedies – surgery for snoring
Surgery for snoring may include:
- Tonsil removal
- UPPP
UPPP is usually done for patients who suffer from excessive snoring
- The tonsils and uvula are surgically treated to remove the excess tissue which blocks the breathing passage from the throat
Recovery after snoring surgery
Diet
- It is very important to re-establish eating and drinking as soon as possible – the longer the delay before eating and drinking the more discomfort there will be
- Fluids are essential – start with ice chips, sips of water or your favourite juice drink, and progress to at least a 250mL glass of drink
- Cold liquids, non-acidic juices, ice cream and ice blocks are tolerated better in the first 24-hours after tonsillectomy
- Progress to soft foods gradually
- Avoid acid foods and juices (orange, tomato), salty and fried foods (potato chips, fries, hard toast and popcorn) and very hot food and drinks for two weeks
Bleeding
- Bleeding after leaving hospital is rare but may occur up to 10 days after tonsillectomy
- Persistent spitting or vomiting blood is abnormal – notify you doctor
- Drink plenty of fluid and chew gum to keep the throat moist and to prevent the build up of crusting
- If you experience a large volume of blood go straight to your nearest Emergency Department
- Gargling with cold water or with 1% hydrogen peroxide may help bring bleeding under control
Pain
- A sore throat after tonsillectomy is common and will limit chewing – you may also experience referred ear pain
- It is not unusual for your throat to become more painful on the 4th or 5th day after the operation
- A good pain relief is to eat or drink and chew more – cooler foods may be soothing, for example, cold drinks and ice cream – chewing gum is also soothing
- Take pain medication as prescribed every 4 to 6 hours as needed
- Eating and drinking will be easier around 30 minutes after taking pain medication
- Do not take aspirin, aspirin products or NSAIDs like Nurofen for pain relief as this may increase the risk of bleeding
Activity
- Rest with limited activity at home for 24 – 48 hours after tonsillectomy
- Avoid lifting, straining or strenuous exercise for 2 weeks to prevent bleeding
Follow-up
Generally your follow-up will consist of:
- A visit at 2 to 3 weeks – you will need to ring the office to make an appointment for that visit
- Α final surgical check up at 3 months
- You will also need to be reviewed by your local doctor at around 6 weeks
Country patients
If you are unable to return to Sydney for follow-up, it may be for your follow-up to be undertaken by your local doctor – we would need to confirm these arrangements before you leave hospital
