Chronic snoring a medical problem with a cure

Press, 9 March 1988, Page 6

Chronic snoring a medical problem with a cure

CHRISTOPHER MOORE

For Professor Robert Bumsted of the University of Chicago, chronic snoring is no yawning matter. Snoring is a serious medical problem facing thousands of sufferers and their families... a situation which can be alleviated by surgery. “We can improve chronic shoring — but I don’t know whether it can ever be fully cured,” the otolaryngological (head and neck) surgeon said in Christchurch yesterday. Professor Bumsted, a guest speaker at an otolaryngological conference, believes that the world, especially non-snorers, have generally adopted a flippant attitude towards snoring.

“If you can’t breathe through your nose while sleeping, you often will get insufficient sleep, the lining of your mouth will dry out and you will become prone to colds. Snoring is caused by nasal cavity constriction. It can be improved through surgery.”

The level of, misery caused through chronic snoring was demonstrated by one of Professor Bumsted’s patients. “He was camping in Yellowstone National Park, sleeping out in a tent. When he looked outside the next morning, his tent was surrounded by park rangers deciding

whether or not to tackle the large bear inside. “This man’s snoring was so bad that he emptied out an entire hospital ward before the situation was improved. There are often medical reasons why chronic snoring should be improved but in many cases, the cure is often worse than the condition." Professor Bumsted’s

work in the surgical reconstruction of facial features involves both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.

“I certainly cannot see why otherwise attractive people who suffer because of an unusually ugly nose cannot seek help. There are also those whose appearance has suffered because of cancer.! or accidents.”

; He is particularly concerned with improving and maintaining functions of facial features. “Studies have shown that plastic surgeons can ioften reconstruct a new nose very well but a head and neck surgeon can often work in the inernal and the external features to improve their function. “One of the areas we have discussed at this conference has been that of sinus headaches. We have been doing research on that for about six pr seven years and have emerged with a surgical procedure that, in properly selected patients, has a 90 per cent chance of curing i the condition. There is i already one surgeon in New Zealand trained in the procedure and carrying out these operations.” Like snoring, sinus headaches are a common ailment and taken for granted. “But it can cause acute discomfort and distress...’’ he said. As a surgeon. Professor Bumsted has definite views on the role of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. “People who want to be a Bo Derek — a perfect 10 — but start off at a 914, worry me. They are considering surgery for entirely the wrong reason. I don't see myself as God, but surgery can help those people’ with genuine problems.”