This is a disorder in which excess tissue can actually obstruct a person’s breathing while asleep. While daytime sleepiness and lack of energy are what most people notice, there are other, more serious health problems which can occur. Untreated sleep apnea have been linked to irreversible heart and lung problems. While in most cases surgery can be avoided, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP or UP3) - usually combined with tonsillectomy, and septoplasty, are sometimes indicated. A newer, less invasive and painful procedure which is equally effective as UPPP is also reasonable for some patients. This is called the Pillar Procedure.
