Does tonsillectomy reduce the risk of being a habitual or severe snorer?

We assessed the relationship between tonsillectomy and being a habitual or severe snorer. Volunteers were asked to provide their age and sex, a detailed snoring history covering the frequency and intensity of snoring, and their smoking and alcohol intake habits. After oral and nasal examinations, the tonsil size scores, Mallampati index scores, and nasal obstructions of the volunteers were recorded. Body heights and weights were measured, and body mass indexes were calculated. Being male, aging, an increase in body mass index and tonsillectomy were identified as independent risk factors for being a habitual and severe snorer. Although a nasal obstruction was found to be an independent risk factor for being a habitual snorer, an obstructive tongue base was identified as an independent risk factor for being a severe snorer. Tonsillectomy reduces the risk of being both a habitual and severe snorer. This reduced incidence and intensity of snoring following tonsillectomy could be accepted as a long-term beneficial side effect of the operation.

Effects of valproate on vestibular symptoms and electronystagmographic findings in migraine patients.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of valproic acid on vestibular symptoms and electronystagmography (ENG) findings in patients with migraine-related vestibulopathy. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients with migraine (13 with vertigo, 13 with dizziness, and 11 without vestibular symptoms) were included in the study. Slow-released valproic acid (500 mg/d) was given for 3 months. Frequency of headache and vestibular symptoms in the first, second, and third months of the therapy were recorded and compared with the pretreatment values. The ENG findings were also evaluated before and 2 months after the therapy. RESULTS: We determined that prophylactic low-dose valproic acid decreased the frequency of headache and vestibular symptoms, although it does not cause any statistically meaningful change in ENG findings. CONCLUSIONS: Valproate can be used satisfactorily for patients with migraine who have vestibular complaints. Ineffectiveness of valproic acid on ENG findings can be clarified by the permanent effect of migraine on the vestibular system.

[The prevalence of allergic rhinitis in the adult urban population of Denizli]. / Denizli il merkezindeki eriskin nüfusta alerjik rinit görülme sikligi.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the prevalence of allergic rhinitis in the adult urban population of Denizli. STUDY DESIGN: A survey study was conducted to cover 1010 adults above 19 years of age, representing the urban population of Denizli district, Turkey. A questionnaire was designed to collect data on sociodemographic features, symptoms of allergic rhinitis, duration of symptoms, and any prior diagnosis of allergic rhinitis made by a physician. Interviews were made with randomly chosen adults from three socioeconomically different urban areas. RESULTS: Interviews were completed for 951 adults with ages ranging from 19 to 65 years (414 males, mean age 36.3+/-12 years; 537 females, mean age 35.2+/-12 years). The frequency of self-reported allergic rhinitis was 10.8%, and 5.2% had allergic rhinitis diagnosed by a physician. Two or more symptoms of allergic rhinitis were found in 7.2%. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis was higher in females. There was no relationship between the frequency of allergic rhinitis and age. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of allergic rhinitis in the adult urban population of Denizli is between 5% to 10%, with a higher frequency in females.

[The prevalence of snoring in adult population]. / Eriskin nüfusta horlama yayginligi.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of habitual snoring in adult population and the relationship between habitual snoring and accompanying factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, epidemiological study was conducted to evaluate snoring and accompanying factors. Data of 1245 persons (629 females, 616 males; mean age 45.0+/-12.2) were evaluated. A questionnaire was administered to draw information on their sociodemographic data, the incidence of snoring, the presence of witnessed apnea during sleep, the severity of snoring and its changes depending on the body position, their willingness to receive treatment for snoring, the presence of alcohol or cigarette consumption, and hypertension and coronary disease. Height and weight measurements were performed to calculate body mass index. The results were evaluated using the chi-square test and a multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of habitual snoring was 8.9% in females and 29.5% in males. Multivariate analyses showed that male sex, age over 40 years, obesity, smoking, and the use of alcohol were significant risk factors for habitual snoring. Hypertension and coronary heart disease were statistically more common in individuals with habitual snoring. The severity of snoring was high enough in 2.1% of females and in 9.4% of males to force their roommates to leave the room, making 1.1% of females and 3.4% of males to show willingness to receive medical attention. CONCLUSION: Habitual snoring is a frequent complaint in our country. Inquiry into the presence of habitual snoring is necessary in adults and patients should be subjected to a detailed examination for respiratory disorders during sleep.