"Dr. Ronald Prehn, I had such a feeling of hopelessness at not being able to live my life in a way acceptable to me. You have been such a help with both my jaw pain and my overall well-being. I appreciate you so very much for always taking time to listen and your willingness to search for answers and solutions even when it took extra time, thought, and using other doctors as resources. You were so willing to call on others you thought might have an idea we could use. From the very beginning, you assured me that “we were in this together,” and you would be with me until we found a solution to alleviate the pain while allowing me to still enjoy life in a way acceptable to me. You and your staff have a special place in my heart. Thank you."
-Deanie
The Dangers of Snoring
Snoring Defined: “vibrating noise coming from oropharyngeal structures that are most otably the vibration of the soft palate, uvula and pharygeal walls as a result of the collapse of the airway.” Dr. Ronald S. Prehn
The Danger of snoring is the last few words of the definition “as a result of the collapse of the airway.” There are several principles of flow dynamics at play in this dynamic process, but the one to understand is the Bernoulli’s principle.
“As the speed of a moving fluid (liquid or gas) increases, the pressure within the fluid decreases.” Wikipedia
Like a shower curtain that collapses into you (from decrease pressure) as you turn on the shower (increased velocity).
Watch this Video:
Therefore the dangers of snoring are related to the fact that snoring may be an early indication of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The following conditions are known to either be caused by OSA or aggravated by OSA:
Heart disease High blood pressure
Cardiac hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension
Stroke
Type 2 diabetes
Insomnia
Fatigue
Loss of concentration
Weight gain
Acid reflux
Bruxing (grinding of teeth)
Sleepiness and drossiness leading to car accidents
Q: How do you know if you are at risk for these medical problems?
