Good sleep is essential for health and well-being. However, many people sleep poorly without realising why. It is often unnoticed breathing interruptions that disrupt a restful night's sleep. Anyone who snores regularly, is exhausted in the morning and suffers from concentration problems during the day should consider the possibility of sleep apnoea. The traditional route to a diagnosis is to go to a sleep laboratory. However, appointments there are often rare and not everyone is comfortable with the idea of spending a night under observation. The good news is that a sound diagnosis is now also possible on the move. Find out how sleep apnoea diagnosis works without a sleep laboratory - and how reliable this method is - below.

When the body sounds the alarm at night: Warning signs of sleep apnoea

Restful sleep gives you strength for the day. But what if you wake up in the morning feeling exhausted, can hardly concentrate during the day and your partner keeps reporting loud snoring or breathing interruptions? You should not take such warning signs lightly. These symptoms may be caused by the so-called Sleep apnoea This is a serious breathing disorder that often remains undetected for a long time and can have a lasting negative impact on your health. Look out for the following signs:

• Irregular, loud snoring, which is characterised by prolonged Breathing pauses is interrupted
  Your environment is often more likely to notice this than you yourself
• Repeated Breathing interruptionswhich can be accompanied by abrupt awakenings
  for example as sudden shortness of breath or sighs in sleep
• Daytime tiredness and leaden exhaustion
  Those affected do not feel at all refreshed in the morning despite seemingly sufficient sleep time
• Morning headache
  can be the result of a lack of oxygen at night
• Dry mouth or sore throat after waking up
  Indication of increased mouth breathing due to blocked airways during sleep
• Difficulty concentrating or staying focussed during the day
  Signs that the night's sleep was not restful
• Irritability or mood swings in everyday life
  show that the body is under stress due to disturbed sleep and does not regenerate sufficiently
• Decreased libido
  even impotence is possible in men

Do you recognise yourself? You may have sleep apnoea. A thorough investigation is urgently recommended.

The classic examination for diagnosing sleep apnoea: the sleep laboratory

In order to reliably clarify the suspicion of sleep apnoea, an examination in a specialised centre for sleep medicine is often used.

Specialists use polysomnography to record numerous bodily functions: e.g. breathing, oxygen saturation, heart rate, brain waves, eye movements, muscle activity and sleep phases. This makes it possible to determine exactly whether and how often breathing interruptions occur, how long they last and how severely they affect sleep.

The sleep laboratory offers a particularly comprehensive analysis and is particularly useful if you already have severe symptoms or pre-existing conditions. On this basis, your doctor can then plan appropriate treatment.

Why the sleep lab is not an option for many

Despite clear symptoms, many sufferers are reluctant to go to the sleep laboratory.

There are many reasons for this: some find the idea of sleeping in unfamiliar surroundings with numerous measuring sensors unpleasant or stressful. Others shy away from the organisational effort, for example due to work commitments, long waiting times or long journeys. Shame or the worry of "not being able to sleep while being observed" also prevent some people from having a diagnostic test carried out in the laboratory.

As a result, possible breathing disorders during sleep often go untreated. However, this can have long-term health consequences such as high blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia or an increased risk of stroke or heart attack.

Convenient alternative: sleep apnoea diagnosis without a sleep laboratory with the WatchPAT

The WatchPAT system offers a stress-free alternative for anyone who prefers a convenient solution that is suitable for everyday use. This mobile Sleep apnoea screeningwhich we present to you in our ENT clinic in Frankkurt enables reliable diagnostics that you can carry out from the comfort of your own home.

Respiratory disorders recognised: What does this mean for you?

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnoea, it is important to initiate the appropriate treatment steps at an early stage. In many cases, so-called CPAP therapy (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is an option. A special device ensures that a constant positive pressure is maintained in the airways during sleep. This keeps them open and reliably prevents breathing interruptions at night.

Alternatively, a customised snoring splint may also be sufficient, especially for milder forms of sleep apnoea. In addition, lifestyle factors such as weight reduction in the case of existing obesity can significantly alleviate the symptoms.

If anatomical causes favour sleep apnoea, surgical treatment at our ENT clinic in Frankfurt may be advisable. Possible interventions include Improvement of nasal breathingThe tightening of a sagging soft palate (so-called webbing) or the shortening of an elongated uvula.

Together with you, we select the therapy that best suits your individual situation.

Sleep apnoea diagnosis without a sleep laboratory in Frankfurt

Do you suffer from signs of sleep apnoea but don't want to go to a sleep medicine centre? At the HNO-Praxisklinik Goethe10 in Frankfurt, we offer you a modern and convenient alternative: with the WatchPAT system, we enable reliable diagnostics - without the need to visit a sleep laboratory, but in your familiar surroundings.

Thanks to modern technology, many years of experience and a comprehensive range of treatments, we provide you with expert support from the initial assessment to the most suitable individualised therapy.

The HNO-Praxisklinik Goethe10 - your address for sleep apnoea diagnosis without a sleep laboratory in Frankfurt. Simply contact us to make an appointment!

 Restless sleep, constant tiredness during the day and the feeling of never being properly rested - many people put up with these complaints without knowing the cause. However, there is often a serious phenomenon behind it: breathing pauses at night. What goes unnoticed during sleep often puts more strain on the body than those affected realise. The consequences range from concentration problems to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. You can find out everything you need to know about breathing pauses during sleep, their consequences and treatment below.

Why is a good night's sleep so important?

Healthy sleep is much more than just rest - it is a basic biological need that contributes significantly to physical and mental health. During sleep, highly complex processes take place in the body that people need to survive and stay healthy in the long term.

The immune system uses the sleep phase to regenerate defence cells and fight pathogens more effectively. At the same time, important metabolic processes take place: The body regenerates and renews cells and tissue. Growth hormones also support the maintenance and regeneration of muscles, skin and organs.

The brain is anything but inactive during sleep. It processes impressions, learns, sorts and stores information. Emotional experiences are categorised, which has a positive effect on mental stability.

Sleep also relieves the cardiovascular system. Blood pressure and pulse rate drop in the deep sleep phases, which provides the heart with important recovery time.

Interrupted breathing during sleep: what is it?

These are brief interruptions in breathing that occur during sleep. Breathing stops for at least ten seconds, sometimes even much longer. These pauses can be repeated dozens or even hundreds of times per night, often without the person concerned actively realising it.

This so-called sleep apnoea is often caused by a blockage of the upper airways, for example when the throat muscles slacken and the airways are narrowed or closed (obstructive sleep apnoea). More rarely, the cause is a disordered breathing regulation in the brain (central sleep apnoea).

The effects of breathing interruptions during sleep on health

As already described, restful sleep is crucial for physical and mental regeneration. However, if this is regularly disturbed by breathing interruptions during the night, the entire system becomes unbalanced. The body can no longer fully rest, important regeneration processes fail to take place and the long-term consequences affect far more than just personal well-being.

The oxygen content in the blood drops with every pause in breathing. The brain registers this deficiency and triggers a wake-up reaction to get breathing going again. These so-called micro-awakenings repeatedly disrupt the body's restful sleep phases. The quality of sleep suffers massively - with noticeable and sometimes serious effects in everyday life.

Short-term and long-term consequences of sleep apnoea

Important: Have breathing interruptions during sleep examined

Sleep apnoea should not be taken lightly. Breathing interruptions during sleep impair the quality of sleep and represent a really serious health risk that should be treated - the sooner the better.

A first step towards clarification is a targeted sleep apnoea screening - as we offer our ENT practice clinic Goethe10 in Frankfurt offer. Using state-of-the-art, non-invasive measurement methods, we can detect meaningful indications of obstructive sleep apnoea in an outpatient setting. The procedure is uncomplicated and painless. You can carry it out in the comfort of your own home.

Screening can provide valuable information, particularly in the case of symptoms such as loud snoring, constant daytime sleepiness or concentration problems. This is followed - if necessary - by targeted referral to sleep medicine diagnostics and treatment. In this way, risks can be recognised early and counteracted effectively - for better sleep, more energy in everyday life and a lower risk of secondary diseases.

Find out more here: Sleep apnoea screening in Frankfurt

Contact us Simply contact us by e-mail or telephone or use the Doctolib onlineAppointment booking!

One blocked nose can have a significant impact on everyday life - be it when sleeping, speaking or simply breathing freely. Many people then turn to nasal sprays, which can provide quick relief. But what happens if the medication doesn't work? There can be various reasons for this. We explain which ones and how we can help you at our ENT practice clinic in Frankfurt.

How a nasal spray works

A nasal spray works in different ways depending on the type and active ingredient. The most common variants are decongestant, moisturising and anti-allergic nasal sprays:

Decongestant nasal sprays (alpha sympathomimetics)

They contain active ingredients such as xylometazoline or oxymetazoline, which can damage the blood vessels in the Nasal mucosa narrow. This causes the mucous membrane to swell, the nasal passages become clear again and breathing becomes easier. These sprays take effect within a few minutes and usually last for several hours.

Moisturising nasal sprays

These sprays use saline or hypertonic salt solutions to keep the mucous membranes moisturised. This is particularly helpful in dry air or with mild infections. They work purely mechanically by loosening mucus and supporting the natural cleansing function of the nose. As they do not contain any decongestants, you can use them long-term without hesitation.

Cortisone-containing or anti-allergic nasal sprays

These sprays are mainly used for allergies or chronic nasal complaints. Preparations containing cortisone reduce inflammation and swelling over a longer period of time, but only take effect after a few days. Anti-allergic nasal sprays often contain antihistamines or mast cell stabilisers, which block allergic reactions directly in the nasal mucosa.

Depending on the symptoms, a different nasal spray may therefore be useful.

What happens if the nasal spray doesn't work?

If a nasal spray no longer works as usual, this can have various causes. There are different reasons depending on the type of spray and the individual symptoms:

Familiarisation effect with decongestant nasal sprays

You should only use decongestant nasal sprays for a few days. Prolonged use can lead to your nasal mucous membranes becoming accustomed to the spray and no longer decongest properly without it (Nasal spray addiction). This can cause drug-induced rhinitis - the nose remains permanently blocked, even if there is no longer a cold.

Incorrect application

A nasal spray only develops its full effect when used correctly. Mistakes such as inserting the spray head incorrectly, pulling it up too quickly or failing to inhale briefly while spraying can result in the active ingredient not being optimally distributed.

Active ingredient too weak or unsuitable

Not every nasal spray helps with every cause of a blocked nose. For example, a mild seawater spray can moisturise a dry nose, but cannot relieve acute swelling. Conversely, decongestant sprays also do not help against allergic symptoms.

In which diseases is the nose blocked but a nasal spray is not effective or only partially effective?

If your nasal spray does not work for a long time or the symptoms persist, medical advice is required. Especially if accompanying symptoms such as headaches, a feeling of pressure in the face, frequent Nosebleed or olfactory disorders, you should make an appointment at our ENT clinic in Frankfurt for an examination.

Possible causes include

When the nasal spray doesn't work: Diagnostics and treatment at our ENT clinic in Frankfurt

If your nose remains blocked despite using a nasal spray, there may be an underlying cause. At our ENT practice clinic in Frankfurt, we diagnose possible triggers and determine the best treatment for your individual case.

Thanks to our comprehensive equipment, we can carry out both detailed examinations and surgical treatments directly in our practice clinic, so that all steps of the therapy remain in one hand.

Simply contact us to arrange an appointment!

Interrupted breathing during sleep is a serious condition that often goes unrecognised. Sleep apnoea can significantly impair quality of life and lead to long-term health problems. It is important to recognise the signs early and take appropriate measures. Find out below what options are available and how you can avoid an appointment in a sleep laboratory.

What is sleep apnoea?

Sleep apnoea is one of the sleep-related breathing disorders. This occurs during sleep in addition to loud Snoring repeated interruptions in breathing. These so-called apnoeas last about ten seconds or longer. They end in Shortness of breath and sudden awakening with gasping for oxygen.

There are two main types of sleep apnoea, which can also occur in a mixed form:

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)

This is the most common form and occurs when the muscles in the throat relax during sleep. This can partially or completely block the airway, causing short periods of apnoea. The brain reacts to this and tries to reopen the airway by waking the body. As this can happen several times a night, OSA significantly impairs the quality of sleep.

Central sleep apnoea (ZSA)

This form is less common and occurs when the brain temporarily stops activating the respiratory muscles during sleep. In contrast to obstructive sleep apnoea, there is no blockage of the airways, but a problem in the central control of the breathing process.

What consequences can sleep apnoea have?

Frequent breathing interruptions during sleep can have a significant impact on both quality of life and long-term health. Possible consequences of sleep apnoea are

Daytime tiredness and exhaustion

Due to the repeated interruptions to sleep, those affected often suffer from extreme daytime tiredness, difficulty concentrating and reduced performance. This can lead to problems at work, in everyday life and when driving - which increases the risk of accidents.

Cardiovascular diseases

Untreated sleep apnoea significantly increases the risk of high blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, heart attacks and strokes. The recurring interruptions in breathing at night put a strain on the cardiovascular system, as the body is constantly under stress to ensure the supply of oxygen.

Diabetes

In some cases, sleep apnoea is also associated with impaired insulin sensitivity. This can promote the development of type 2 diabetes. The condition can also worsen blood sugar control in existing diabetes patients.

Weight gain

Disturbed sleep affects the metabolism and promotes food cravings. This is why many people with sleep apnoea tend to put on weight. Being overweight can further aggravate the symptoms of apnoea.

Mental health

Sleep apnoea can lead to mood disorders as well as depression, anxiety and irritability. Chronic exhaustion impairs emotional well-being.

Reduced quality of life

The constant fatigue and health problems can diminish social life and general life satisfaction.

Sexual dysfunction

Furthermore, sleep apnoea can lead to erectile dysfunction in men and a decrease in sexual desire in women. This is related to both physical exhaustion and the limited oxygen supply during sleep.

Tips for recognising sleep apnoea yourself

Sleep apnoea can often be difficult to recognise yourself, as sufferers are usually not consciously aware of breathing interruptions. Nevertheless, there are methods that can help you to become aware of possible sleep apnoea:

Ask your partner/family

A common sign of sleep apnoea is loud, irregular snoring followed by pauses in breathing. This is often noticed by your partner or other family members who observe your sleep. If you receive such feedback, you should take it seriously.

Daytime tiredness and exhaustion

Those affected do not feel refreshed after waking up and struggle with tiredness throughout the day. If you are often exhausted or unable to concentrate during the day despite getting enough sleep, this could also be a sign of sleep apnoea.

Morning headache

Headaches after waking up can be another symptom. It is caused by the lack of oxygen during the nightly breathing pauses.

Dry mouth or sore throat on waking

People with sleep apnoea often breathe through their mouth as the throat is blocked during breathing pauses. This dries out the mucous membranes and often causes a raw throat in the morning.

Sudden awakening with shortness of breath

If you regularly wake up abruptly with a feeling of lack of air, this is a serious sign of sleep apnoea.

Self-observation through recordings

It can be helpful to record your sleep using audio recordings or special apps that register snoring and breathing pauses.

Recognising sleep apnoea: State-of-the-art and effective examination in our ENT practice clinic in Frankfurt

The methods mentioned above can provide initial indications that you may be experiencing breathing interruptions during sleep. If the signals become more frequent, you should definitely make an appointment at our ENT clinic in Frankfurt to have this investigated in more detail.

For diagnostics, we use the WatchPAT. This extremely innovative device utilises the so-called PAT technology (Peripheral Arterial Tone). This interprets changes in peripheral arterial tone. In addition, it uses various sensors that record a variety of physiological parameters, including:

Oxygen saturation

The device monitors the oxygen level in your blood while you sleep.

Pulse wave analysis

The WatchPAT records the pulse rate and its fluctuations, which can be associated with breathing interruptions.

Activity of the airways

Respiratory movements are also measured and any breathing pauses are recorded.

Heart rate

The device also tracks your heart rate variability, which can indicate sleep apnoea.

Body movements

The fact that the WatchPAT measures movements during sleep also allows us to draw conclusions about the quality of sleep and possible disorders.

The WatchPAT has these advantages for you in the diagnosis of sleep apnoea

Examination with the WatchPAT device offers a number of advantages that make it an attractive option for the Diagnosis of sleep apnoea and other sleep-related breathing disorders:

Convenient use at home

In contrast to conventional sleep laboratory tests, you can use the WatchPAT in the comfort of your own home. This reduces stress and enables a more natural sleep situation.

Easy handling

The device is user-friendly and easy to operate. It is worn on the wrist and requires no complicated wiring or complex settings.

Accuracy

Several clinical studies confirm the accuracy of this method. They are comparable with the results from the sleep laboratory.

Comprehensive data acquisition

The device records a wide range of physiological data. This comprehensive information enables us to carry out a detailed analysis.

Fast evaluation

After use, the device analyses the collected data automatically. This means that the results are available to us promptly. This speeds up the diagnostic process and enables your treatment to be initiated more quickly.

Simple repeatability

As the device is easy to use and does not require any complex set-up, we can easily repeat measurements if necessary. This allows us to monitor the progression of sleep apnoea or check the success of a therapy.

Recognising sleep apnoea in Frankfurt

The WatchPAT is a valuable option for the diagnosis of sleep apnoea - especially if you are looking for a comfortable and accurate solution and do not want to spend a night in a sleep laboratory. If the result is "positive", there are various treatment methods such as the use of breathing therapy devices, special dental or breathing splints or (in severe cases) Surgical interventions.

Feel free to contact us to make an appointment at our ENT clinic in Frankfurt - for better health and a higher quality of life!

Nasal breathing has a significant impact on our well-being. When you have a cold, you have certainly experienced for yourself how frustrating, annoying and exhausting it is when you cannot breathe freely through your nose.

Some people suffer repeatedly or even permanently from this feeling of blocked nose. In this case, you may have enlarged turbinates. As part of the laser conchotomy, we can laser the inside of your nose, allowing you to breathe freely.

What are the consequences of restricted nasal breathing?

If you cannot breathe properly through your nose, this can affect your general well-being and quality of life. Typical consequences can be

Mouth breathing

Those affected tend to breathe more through their mouth when they feel a blocked nose. This can lead to dryness in the mouth and throat and also affect swallowing.

Increased susceptibility to infections

The nasal cavity normally provides protection against pathogens. Incorrect nasal breathing can weaken this barrier. This can make it easier for viruses, bacteria and other pathogens to enter your body. In addition, impaired nasal breathing can cause mucus and fluids to accumulate in the sinuses and airways. This moist environment is an ideal breeding ground for pathogens and can, for example Sinusitis and other infections.

Sleep disorders

Obstructed nasal breathing can lead to sleep disorders such as Snoring and nocturnal breathing interruptions (sleep apnoea). This can lead to restless sleep, reduced sleep quality and daytime tiredness.

Reduction in physical performance and concentration disorders

The restricted air supply through the nose impairs the Oxygen transport in your body. For this reason, you may find physical activity more difficult. This is often accompanied by a feeling of rapid fatigue and breathlessness. If you are unable to breathe properly, this can also affect your mental performance, because: An adequate supply of oxygen to the brain is also important for optimum concentration and alertness.

Changes in pronunciation

If the nasal passage is blocked or narrowed, there is a tendency to breathe more through the mouth. This can lead to changes in the articulation and sound quality of the voice. When speaking, the nose also supports the resonance and modulation of your voice. Obstructed nasal breathing can therefore lead to a nasal-sounding voice. In addition, breathing can become shallower and less efficient during speech.

Changes in the sense of smell

The nose plays an important role in our sense of smell. Restricted nasal breathing can lead to olfactory disorders, which can impair the enjoyment of food and the recognition of dangers.

One possible cause of restricted nasal breathing: enlarged turbinates

Nasal concha are bony structures in the nose that are covered with mucous membrane. They play an important role in air flow and filtering the inhaled air. Normally they are thin and have a structure that looks like lamellae or fan-shaped lobes. However, due to e.g. AllergiesThey can swell immensely in the case of infections, inflammatory diseases or anatomical conditions. Enlarged turbinates can narrow the space for airflow in the nose. The result is restricted nasal breathing.

These so-called Nasal concha hyperplasia can cause further complaints such as recurrent sinusitis, snoring or noisy breathing.

Laser nose surgery: Uncomplicated treatment of turbinate hyperplasia

No major surgery is required to treat enlarged turbinates. We can treat these findings with laser treatment. This is how the so-called Laser conchotomy from:

Preparation

We clean your nose. We then spray the inside with a local anaesthetic to numb the treatment area.

Laser nose

We reduce the size of the turbinates using a special laser. The laser beam generates high heat effects and vaporises or cuts off the excess tissue. This reduces the size of your turbinates and widens your nasal passages.

Conclusion and aftercare

You will not usually need any stitches or tamponades after the procedure. You can go home again. We recommend that you refrain from strenuous physical activity for a few days.

Laser nose surgery in Frankfurt: Laser conchotomy at the Goethe10 practice clinic

If you suffer from restricted nasal breathing, you are welcome to make an appointment at our ENT clinic in Frankfurt. We will examine you and check where the respiratory impairment is coming from. If enlarged turbinates are the cause of your problems, we can laser your nose and treat the turbinate hyperplasia. The procedure is outpatient, gentle and effective. Also for other triggers, e.g. a Curvature of the nasal septumwe can help. Please feel free to contact us!

ENT Frankfurt: Dr Thomas Fischer & Dr Albrecht Linke

Your specialists for ear, nose and throat medicine, who will provide you with professional and individualised advice, examinations and treatment in all matters relating to ENT medicine, functional plastic surgery and the aesthetic treatment of changes to the facial skin.

Our news articles are prepared for you to the best of our knowledge and belief and are intended for general education. They are in no way a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis and treatment and are not intended to encourage self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Please always contact your ENT specialist in Frankfurt directly if you have any health complaints!

© "Attractive man breathing outdoor" by Antonioguillem, stock.adobe.com

Loud snoring can turn sleep into torture. And not just for the person affected, but also for their partner. Loud snoring and "sawing" can affect not only older people or overweight people, but people of all genders, ages and body shapes.

There are many different causes, from anatomical conditions to lifestyle factors. In some cases, snoring surgery can be the solution so that you can sleep peacefully again. At our ENT clinic in Frankfurt am Main, we offer this form of snoring therapy.

What happens when you snore?

Snoring causes disturbing noises due to the vibrations of slack tissue in the throat and palate area when breathing in and out during sleep.
The exact causes and mechanisms of snoring are varied and differ from person to person.

The most common factors that play a role in snoring are

Relaxation of the throat muscles

During sleep, the muscles in the throat and palate relax. This causes the soft tissues in this area to contract more tightly. When the air flows past these relaxed tissues during inhalation, the characteristic snoring noises are produced.

Constricted airways

Some people's airways are naturally narrower. They can also be narrowed due to anatomical conditions such as an enlarged tongue or tonsils. In these cases, the air flows past with more pressure, causing snoring.

Overweight

Excessive weight can cause an increased accumulation of fatty tissue in the throat and pharynx area. This can further constrict your airways.

Alcohol and sedative medication

The consumption of alcohol or certain medications that relax the muscles can increase snoring. They can Throat muscles even more slack.

Sleeping position

If you sleep on your back, you may be more prone to snoring. This is due to the fact that gravity pushes the soft tissues in the throat area backwards. This narrows the airways.

What consequences can night-time snoring have?

Loud snoring can affect the quality of your own sleep and that of your partner. Common consequences are lack of sleep and daytime sleepiness, which are accompanied by concentration difficulties and reduced performance. Snoring can also cause you to sleep with your mouth open, which promotes dry mouth, a sore throat or even infections.

Chronic snoring can also be a sign of sleep apnoea, a serious sleep disorder that can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and other health problems.

Treating snoring: Options without surgery

Lifestyle changes

• Weight loss
  For overweight people, losing weight can help to reduce snoring, as this can reduce the accumulation of fatty tissue in the throat and pharynx area.
• Sleeping position
  Sleeping on your side instead of your back can reduce snoring in some people.

Avoidance of alcohol and sleeping pills

Alcohol and certain medications can affect the muscle tension in the throat, which can lead to increased snoring. Avoiding these substances before going to bed can be helpful.

Snoring splint

You wear this appliance in your mouth like a kind of brace. They are designed to change the position of your tongue and lower jaw to keep your airways open.

Nasal strips and nasal sprays

These products can help to open the nasal passages and make breathing easier if your snoring is due to nasal problems.

Surgical interventions

• Snoring operation
  If snoring is causing you significant health or social problems, snoring surgery may be advisable - even if other treatment methods have not been sufficiently effective.
• Rhinoplasty
  Snoring can occur with various nasal problems, e.g. with a curved nasal septum, Nasal polyps or one Nasal concha hyperplasia. In these cases, a Rhinoplastya Nasal septum surgerya Paranasal sinus surgery or the Laser conchotomy help. We offer all of these treatments at our ENT clinic in Frankfurt.

Snoring surgery in Frankfurt for an oversized or floppy palate

An oversized or sagging palate can lead to heavy snoring - especially if you sleep on your back. In such cases, we offer various surgical techniques to tighten or reduce the size of the posterior palate.

If an enlarged uvula is the cause of snoring, we can use the uvula flap technique. This involves lifting the uvula on your palate, reattaching it and suturing it.

Uvula palato pharyngoplasty is a common snoring operation in which we incise the mucous membrane in your palate, throat and uvula area, tighten it and stitch it back together. This tightening of the palate prevents constriction of the upper airways during sleep. We can also perform this operation at the same time as the removal of palatine tonsils.

Snoring surgery in Frankfurt

Snoring can be extremely stressful - for you and your relationship. It is not uncommon for snoring and humming to lead to separate bedrooms. If you suffer from regular snoring, you are welcome to make an appointment with us. In our ENT clinic in Frankfurt we will examine you carefully and recommend a therapy tailored to your individual needs. Together we can tackle your snoring problems and improve your quality of life.

ENT Frankfurt: Dr Thomas Fischer & Dr Albrecht Linke

Your specialists for ear, nose and throat medicine, who will provide you with professional and individualised advice, examinations and treatment in all matters relating to ENT medicine, functional plastic surgery and the aesthetic treatment of changes to the facial skin.

Our news articles are prepared for you to the best of our knowledge and belief and are intended for general education. They are in no way a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis and treatment and are not intended to encourage self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Please always contact your ENT specialist in Frankfurt directly if you have any health complaints!

© "Woman snoring while sleeping in bed at home" by New Africa, stock.adobe.com

The lateral wall of the nasal cavity contains a lower, a middle and an upper turbinate. These are bony ridges that surround a vascularised cavernous tissue. They are there to humidify and warm the air we breathe. If they swell and become permanently enlarged, they obstruct breathing. In this case, we ENT specialists speak of turbinate hyperplasia, which can be associated with increased mouth breathing, snoring and an increased susceptibility to infections in the throat and neck. You can find out what this finding means for you and how we can help you in this article.

Nasal concha hyperplasia

If you have turbinate hyperplasia, your turbinates are permanently enlarged. The lower turbinates are usually affected. The underlying nasal passage forms a connection to the airways. If the turbinates become enlarged, they lead to problems with nasal breathing: you then have the permanent feeling of having a blocked nasal passage. blocked nose to have. Especially when the air is too dry, they find it difficult to breathe through their nose. The problem can occur on one or both sides or even alternately. Nasal concha hyperplasia can be particularly troublesome when lying down. The already enlarged turbinates are supplied with even more blood. This means that even less air can pass through the nose.

Causes for the development of turbinate hyperplasia

An enlargement of the turbinates is not usually congenital, but is caused by various factors. These include

• Curvature of the nasal septum
• excessive use of nasal spray or nasal drops with a decongestant (Nasal spray addiction)
• Chronic allergic rhinitis/hay fever
• Injuries
• Malfunctions
• Infections with viruses or bacteria
• Food and medication intolerances
• Chronic sinusitis
• Hormone fluctuations (e.g. in pregnant women) and oestrogen-containing contraceptives
• Pollutants in the air we breathe
• Frequent, extreme temperature differences
• Alcohol abuse

Impaired nasal breathing: symptoms of turbinate enlargement

Enlarged nasal swellings can cause unpleasant discomfort:

• Insufficient nasal breathing/ventilation of the nasal cavities
• Increased breathing through the mouth
• Snoring up to sleep apnoea
• Difficulties with eating and drinking
• Nasal voice
• Drying out of the mucous membranes
• Irritable cough
• Sore throat
• Increased susceptibility to infections of the sinuses, throat, larynx, tonsils or bronchi
• Feeling of pressure in the paranasal sinuses
• Increased secretion from the nose
• Sneezing stimulus
• Odour disorders
• Nosebleed
• Tubal ventilation disorder of the middle ears
• Headache

Diagnostics for enlarged turbinates

In our ENT practice in Frankfurt we can quickly confirm the diagnosis if you are suspected of having an enlarged turbinate. We will perform a direct or endoscopic nasal examination and an ultrasound examination on you. This allows us to assess the shape, size and condition of your turbinates.

In some cases, this is followed by a Allergy diagnostics of your examination. If necessary, we can order a computerised tomography scan to rule out a hidden inflammation in the area of the paranasal sinuses.

Nasal turbinate hyperplasia: How we can treat enlarged turbinates

Conservative therapy is possible: Depending on the initial situation or cause of the turbinate hyperplasia, we recommend avoiding the trigger (weaning off nasal spray, avoiding allergens, treating the allergy, etc.). Treatment with cortisone can also help.

If this conservative therapy does not lead to success, surgical treatment is advisable. Laser conchotomy we can reduce the size of your turbinates using a special laser.

Before the laser treatment, we insert cotton swabs soaked in an anaesthetic into your nose for about half an hour. No injection is therefore necessary for the anaesthetic. We can then use the laser to painlessly reduce the size of your nasal swelling in just a few minutes. No tamponade is required after the procedure. You can go home afterwards.

Laser conchotomy is a low-risk and effective method of restoring your nasal swelling to a normal size. This significantly improves your nasal breathing.

If a deviated septum is involved in nasal concha hyperplasia, it can help to straighten it surgically (Nasal septum surgery).

Nasal concha hyperplasia treatment Frankfurt

If your Breathing is impaired by enlarged turbinates, we will be happy to help you. At our ENT practice in Frankfurt, we are optimally equipped to analyse your findings and treat you. We regularly perform both laser conchotomy and surgical straightening of the nasal septum.

ENT Frankfurt: Dr Thomas Fischer & Dr Albrecht Linke

Your specialists for ear, nose and throat medicine, who will provide you with professional and individualised advice, examinations and treatment in all matters relating to ENT medicine, functional plastic surgery and the aesthetic treatment of changes to the facial skin.

Our news articles are prepared for you to the best of our knowledge and belief and are intended for general education. They are in no way a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis and treatment and are not intended to encourage self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Please always contact your ENT specialist in Frankfurt directly if you have any health complaints!

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If you wake up in the morning with a raw throat and feel like you've been screaming loudly all night, then you've probably been snoring heavily. Snoring can affect your health, but it can also have an impact on your partner's healthy sleep. You should therefore have it checked why you snore. The causes often lie in the nasopharyngeal area. In this article, we explain what treatment is possible and when you need an operation to stop snoring.

Habitual snoring: without breathing disorder

Habitual snoring only occurs occasionally. It does not affect the oxygen supply to your body or the regulation of your circulation. In habitual snorers, both function normally and are not restricted. In addition, there are no dangerous pauses in breathing.

One trigger is sleeping in a supine position, which causes the lower jaw and tongue to fall backwards and block the upper airways. It is also often the consumption of alcohol or certain medications that promote snoring.

Pathological snoring: With breathing interruptions

Pathological snoring is different. In this case, the loud noise is a side effect of a sleep-related breathing disorder. As a result, the oxygen supply in the body is no longer sufficient, leading to dangerous sleep apnoea. Breathing stops for a few seconds or even minutes - more than five times in an hour. The consequences: Sleep no longer provides the necessary rest. Pathological snorers often suffer from severe daytime sleepiness, they feel tired, lack concentration and are less productive. Their memory performance also often deteriorates. Some patients who suffer from sleep apnoea repeatedly nod off involuntarily and suddenly for a few seconds during the day - which can be very dangerous in road traffic, for example. Headaches and a dry mouth in the morning also indicate sleep apnoea.

Sleep apnoea can also lead to long-term damage: When breathing stops during sleep, this briefly puts the body into a state of alarm. As a result, it repeatedly activates the autonomic nervous system, which causes blood pressure and heart rate to rise. Permanent high blood pressure increases the risk of heart failure, a heart attack or a stroke.

Snoring surgery: When is surgery advisable?

If you snore repeatedly over a longer period of time and notice symptoms such as daytime sleepiness, you should make an appointment with us at the ENT clinic in Frankfurt agree. Your treating ENT specialist Dr Thomas Fischer will examine you and check whether there are any anatomical reasons that could be causing your snoring. These include impaired nasal breathing due to a deviated nasal septum, conchal enlargement, polyps or similar. A flaccid and enlarged soft palate, an elongated and flaccid uvula and a tongue that falls back during sleep, narrowing the palate, can also lead to snoring. Another cause is severely enlarged palatine tonsils, which constrict the palate during sleep.

In some cases, an additional examination in a specialised sleep laboratory is necessary. This will determine whether your snoring is habitual or pathological.

If you are diagnosed with sleep apnoea, you do not have to undergo surgery immediately. Some patients are helped by night-time oxygen therapy with a breathing mask. If this therapy does not bring the desired success, an operation can help.

If you suffer from a harmless form of snoring and are bothered by it, you can also undergo surgery. There are various surgical methods to treat your snoring. Which snoring therapy is used for you depends on your individual clinical picture or the initial anatomical situation.

Snoring surgery: procedures on the palate and soft palate

An oversized or sagging Palate can cause you to snore intensely as it relaxes, especially at night when lying on your back. This causes the airflow to vibrate, which generates noise. In this case, we can surgically tighten or reduce the posterior part of the palate using various techniques. If the snoring is caused by an excessively large uvula, we can perform a so-called uvula flap. This involves folding up the uvula on the palate, suturing it in place and fixing it.

The classic form of snoring surgery is uvula palato pharyngoplasty. This is a soft palate tightening procedure in which we incise, tighten and stitch back together the mucous membrane on your palate, throat and uvula. The tightened palate prevents your upper airways from narrowing during sleep. It is also possible to remove the palatine tonsils at the same time.

Snoring surgery: procedures on the nose itself

It is often a curvature of the nasal septum that causes snoring. It leads to constrictions in the nasal passages - less air flows out of one nostril than the other. By means of a Nasal septum surgery we correct the curvature and thus straighten the septum.

Snoring can also be caused by nasal polyps. These are soft, benign mucosal growths in the paranasal sinuses. They can range in size from a few millimetres to several centimetres. Sometimes the polyps respond to treatment with decongestant medication. If this is not the case, a minimally invasive Paranasal sinus surgery help. We remove the polyp using special instruments with microscopic and endoscopic support.

In many cases, snoring is also associated with enlarged turbinates. Three turbinates are naturally located in each nasal cavity. They protrude into the nasal cavity from the side and consist of thin bony plates covered with mucous membrane. Between them is a cavernous body. If this is heavily supplied with blood, the turbinate in question swells and enlarges. In some patients, this is a permanent condition that impedes breathing. The remedy is the so-called Laser conchotomy in our practice in Frankfurt. Laser treatment of the turbinates leads to targeted shrinkage of the tissue so that your turbinates can no longer swell too much. This keeps your nasal breathing free. If your snoring is related to turbinate hyperplasia, you will now have quieter nights.

Snoring surgery Frankfurt

Snoring can be very annoying and put a strain on a relationship. Separate bedrooms are often the result. Please come to our practice if you snore regularly. We will examine you and suggest a customised therapy.

ENT Frankfurt: Dr Thomas Fischer & Dr Albrecht Linke

Your specialists for ear, nose and throat medicine, who will provide you with professional and individualised advice, examinations and treatment in all matters relating to ENT medicine, functional plastic surgery and the aesthetic treatment of changes to the facial skin.

Our news articles are prepared for you to the best of our knowledge and belief and are intended for general education. They are in no way a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis and treatment and are not intended to encourage self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Please always contact your ENT specialist in Frankfurt directly if you have any health complaints!

© "A couple sleeping while the man is snoring by Rawpixel, elements.envato.com

Have you ever wondered why the person who snores is always the first to fall asleep?

Sawing off trees can have serious consequences for a partnership. If one person snores constantly and the other is disturbed by it night after night, there is the threat of an unromantic consequence: separate beds.

But snoring is not only a challenge for a relationship, the snorer himself often has to struggle with a reduction in well-being. How snoring can be treated with e.g. snoring therapy from the ENT doctor can be treated in this article.

What is snoring and what causes it?

During sleep, the entire body musculature as well as the throat and tongue relax. Normally, however, the muscle tension during sleep is so high that the tongue and uvula do not relax completely - the person breathes unhindered and quietly.

However, if the throat muscles relax and the upper airways narrow as a result, the soft palate, uvula and tongue start to flutter. This results in the typical snoring sound. The supine position usually favours the tongue falling back due to gravity.

But this is not the only reason that can cause snoring at night. Enlarged tonsils, an excessively long uvula or a large tongue, adenoids in the nose or a curvature of the nasal septum can also be to blame. Colds, hay fever and obesity as well as alcohol consumption and certain medications also favour snoring.

Are there different types of snoring?

In medicine, a distinction is made between two forms of snoring:

Number one is simple snoring, also known as habitual or primary snoring. It only occurs occasionally and affects the majority of snorers. This form is not pathological, as the body's oxygen supply and the regulation of the circulatory system function normally and are not restricted. There are also no breathing interruptions.

Number two is pathological snoring. In this case, the noise is a side effect of a sleep-related breathing disorder. The oxygen supply in the body is insufficient. This often leads to dangerous respiratory failure (Sleep apnoea).

What are the consequences of snoring?

Snoring - whether habitual or pathological - can have many negative effects. On the one hand, it disturbs your partner's sleep, which can damage the relationship, and on the other, it can lead to health problems, such as dry oral mucosa. This in turn can lead to plaque on the tongue and in the mouth, bad breath, difficulty swallowing, inflammation of the mouth and throat as well as respiratory infections and tonsillitis. Tooth decay also occurs frequently.

Snorers are often tired during the day, feel sleepy, stressed and fatigued. They find it harder to concentrate and are prone to depression.

In addition, heavy snoring increases the risk of hypoxia and a sleep attack or heart attack.

How can snoring be treated?

First the ENT doctor find out where your snoring is coming from. Is it due to slack throat muscles or are there other medical reasons?

Depending on your individual findings, we can develop a treatment concept. If functional disorders in the body, such as polyps, a curved nasal septum or excessively large turbinates, are to blame for snoring, a Nose surgery However, there is also treatment through snoring therapy.

Another option is classic snoring surgery. The aim is to tighten and shorten the soft palate, which significantly reduces or completely stops the symptoms of snoring.

Snoring therapy Frankfurt

Do you suffer from annoying snoring?

You are welcome to present yourself at our practice. We will examine you in detail and find the source of your nocturnal "concert". Depending on this, we will create a customised therapy for you.

Please feel free to contact us!

ENT Frankfurt: Dr Thomas Fischer & Dr Albrecht Linke

Your specialists for ear, nose and throat medicine, who will provide you with professional and individualised advice, examinations and treatment in all matters relating to ENT medicine, functional plastic surgery and the aesthetic treatment of changes to the facial skin.

Our news articles are prepared for you to the best of our knowledge and belief and are intended for general education. They are in no way a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis and treatment and are not intended to encourage self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Please always contact your ENT specialist in Frankfurt directly if you have any health complaints!

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