Hello to you all. This is a very important topic, thank you for posting it. The answer is multi factorial and is age related. The common denominator is the airway the numerator is age
There are a lot of treatments starting with early surgical removal of adenoids and tonsils to CPAP devices and even surgical mandibular advancements in adults. The accepted norm (MacNamara) is 10-15 mm space between the posterior pharyngeal wall and the dorsum of the soft palate (seen and measured on the Ceph) Patent nares (seen on the pan) and no noise when sleeping. Studies have linked the accumulation of amyloids in the brain due to poor airation (no REM sleep) is linked to adult altzheimer and dementias.
Mandibular advancement with upper expansion utilizing appliances like Twin Blocks definitely help increase the airway.
We as GP’s are in an ideal position to ask questions relating to the airway of our young patients so we can suggest treatment guidance related to breathing tongue position posture etc.
ENT referral may be necessary or for our older patient a referral to a somnologist for sleepstudies. Your patients will thank you
“DONT IGNORE THE SNORE”
IAO rocks!!!Hello
