Hi XXXXXXX

Thanks for posting the query

The breathing difficulty during sleep also called as 'obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome' could be due to various causes such as falling back of the tongue, obesity, laxity of the neck muscles, nasal block, etc.

I need to know whether he is having nasal block only or breathing difficulty along with snoring. Because both are different entities which need to be dealt in different ways.

Before planning for a CT scan and the surgery, we need to consider various other facts and find out the level of obstruction. Secondly, modification of the sleep posture and the life style changes can help in reducing the problems.

The throat discomfort is due to mouth breathing and drying of the mucosa of the throat secondary to the former. I am not sure whether your father is suffering from acid reflux problems, if so, then acid reflux could be another reason for the throat irritation.

My suggestions to him are:
1. To drink plenty of warm water, this keeps the tissues hydrated and reduces the nasal block as well as throat discomfort.

2. To lie one one side, preferably on the left side. This will prevent the tongue from falling back and prevent obstruction at the level of the throat.

3. To use a bigger pillow, so as to, increase the head elevation and prevent the tongue from falling back.

4. Avoid excessive coffee, tea and smoking if any.

5. To use saline nasal spray 3-4 times a day to keep the nose moist and prevent nasal block.

6. If he is obese, he needs to reduce his weight first; this will put an end to many of his problems.

Hope with these measures he should be alright. Revert back to me if you have any further queries, I will be eager to help you.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

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Hi XXXXXXX

Welcome back

If your father has tried all of the above mentioned procedures and the doctor thinks the deviated nasal septum is the root cause for all his problems; then go ahead and get the surgery done

I stay in Doha, hence it is not possible for you to consult me. You can contact one of the renowned ENT specialist in Hyderabad:

Dr. Vinnakota Sriprakash MS ENT
Specialist ENT Head & Neck Micro Surgeon
Address : Microcare ENT Hospital & Research Institute
Laser Treatment Centre
Nose Cosmetic surgery Centre
Road No: 4, MIG: 241,
1st clinic in Road no.4, Besides Remedy Hospital,
KPHB, Kukatpally,
Hyderabad-72
India
Tel 91- 040- 0000, 0000
Mobile 91- 0000 0000
Fax 040- 0000
Email YYYY@YYYY

I wish your father good health. All the best.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

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