Derek S Lipman, MD - Snoring Specialist

Information may not be reliable

Don't take your partner's snoring lying down!
"More than 90% of all snorers can be cured," says Derek Lipman, M.D., an ear, nose and throat surgeon in Portland, Oregon, who specializes in the treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders.

The well-known sounds of snoring result from excess vibration of the soft tissues in the throat (the soft palate and uvula), flapping backwards and forwards uncontrollably as we breathe during sleep. Snoring can be caused or aggravated by any type of narrowing in the air passages of the nose or throat, for example, enlarged tonsils, a prominent uvula, nasal polyps, or a deviated nasal septum. Similarly, chronic sinus infections or allergies can produce the same results. Additionally, weight gain, alcohol or smoking may also contribute to the problem.

In addition to being a source of constant irritation to the bedroom partner (also known as the "snoree"), snoring is the cardinal feature of a common medical condition called sleep apnea. Essentially, sleep apnea results from stretching and collapse of the soft tissues in the throat, causing the snorer to hold his/her breath during sleep. These frequent interruptions of breathing result in reduced oxygen flow to the brain and rest of the body. As a result, the overall quality of sleep gradually deteriorates producing frequent awakenings, lack of dreams, morning tiredness and daily fatigue. As the sleep apnea gradually increases in severity, other symptoms appear such as weight gain, mood changes, morning headache, memory loss and high blood pressure. Severe sleep apnea increases the risk for serious medical problems such as heart attacks and stroke.

Sleep apnea is diagnosed by doing an overnight sleep study following a careful examination of the upper air passages by an ear, nose and throat specialist.

Dr. Lipman offers the following procedures and services through his office: