Symptoms
UPPP is a treatment, not a disease with symptoms. However, the conditions it treats (OSA and snoring) do have symptoms:
Loud snoring
Episodes of stopped breathing during sleep (apnea)
Gasping or choking during sleep
Daytime sleepiness
Difficulty concentrating
Morning headaches
Irritability
High blood pressure
Causes
Again, UPPP is a treatment. The causes relate to the conditions it addresses.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Relaxation of throat muscles during sleep, causing airway obstruction. This can be worsened by:
Excess weight
Large tonsils or adenoids
A large tongue
A small or recessed jaw
Nasal congestion
Snoring: Vibration of tissues in the upper airway during breathing. Similar contributing factors to OSA also contribute to snoring.
Medicine Used
UPPP is a surgical procedure. However, medications might be used:
Pre-operative: Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection.
Intra-operative: Anesthesia is used, general or local with sedation.
Post-operative:
Pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen, opioids)
Antibiotics to prevent infection
Mouthwash (antiseptic)
Is Communicable
No, UPPP is a treatment for a non-communicable condition. OSA and snoring are not infectious.
Precautions
Since UPPP is a surgical procedure, precautions mainly relate to post-operative care:
Follow all post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon.
Take prescribed medications as directed.
Maintain good oral hygiene (gentle rinsing).
Avoid strenuous activity for a specified period.
Avoid smoking and alcohol.
Watch for signs of infection (fever, increased pain, pus).
Maintain a soft diet.
How long does an outbreak last?
This question is not applicable as UPPP is a treatment and not an infectious disease. There is no outbreak. However, post-operative recovery can take several weeks.
How is it diagnosed?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA):
Physical examination
Sleep study (polysomnography) - This monitors brain waves, eye movements, heart rate, breathing, and oxygen levels during sleep.
Home sleep apnea testing (HSAT) - limited channel sleep study done at home.
Snoring: Usually diagnosed by history and physical exam. A sleep study may be ordered to rule out underlying sleep apnea.
Timeline of Symptoms
This refers to the original symptoms of sleep apnea or snoring that lead to consideration of UPPP. Post-operative symptoms will be about healing of the surgical sites.
OSA/Snoring: symptoms are chronic/ ongoing and will not resolve without medical treatment or intervention.
Timeline is variable. Symptoms may develop gradually over months or years.
Daytime sleepiness may worsen over time.
Important Considerations
UPPP is not always effective in treating OSA. Success rates vary.
Alternative treatments for OSA include CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), oral appliances, and other surgical procedures.
Complications of UPPP can include pain, bleeding, infection, difficulty swallowing, changes in voice, nasal regurgitation, and velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI).
Long-term effectiveness needs to be discussed with the surgeon. Weight loss is also generally encouraged to maximize the benefits.