Snoring Specialist

What is snoring?

Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep is a common problem, with around 30 million Americans reporting that they snore regularly. Snoring is more than a nuisance, as it may be a sign that you aren't getting quality sleep. 

You may need a medical evaluation if you snore and show signs that you aren't getting enough oxygen while you sleep, such as: 

• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Difficulty concentrating during the day
• Headaches when you wake up
• Sore throat first thing in the morning 
• Chest pain at night

Your partner may help determine if your snoring is a serious problem. You should visit Lake Grove ENT if they report that you wake them or keep them awake due to your snoring, experience breathing pauses, are restless, or if you gasp or choke while sleeping.

What causes snoring?

When you sleep, your tongue and throat muscles relax. For some people, that can restrict your airway. As air passes over your obstructed airway, it vibrates the tissues, causing snoring. In people with a condition called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), their airways become so restricted that they stop breathing for short or prolonged periods. 

Other contributing factors to restricted airways while sleeping are: 

• Age-related tissue atrophy 
• Nasal polyps
• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
• Deviated septum 
• Elongated soft palate or tongue
• Inflammation, due to allergies, colds, or sinus infections 

Those who are obese, drink alcohol, eat heavy meals before bed, or lay on their back are more likely to snore. 

What are treatments for snoring?

There are several options for treating snoring, depending on the underlying cause. In some cases, simple lifestyle changes can improve your snoring and quality of sleep, such as weight loss, not eating or drinking alcohol before bed, or sleeping on your side. 

Oral guards sometimes help to reposition the jaw and open the throat, and over-the-counter nasal strips can open the nasal passages during sleep. If you have OSA, you may benefit from continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which opens the airways and increases your oxygen intake. 

When non-invasive methods don't correct your snoring, you may need more aggressive treatment, such as coblation palatoplasty, which removes excess tissue from your soft palate and uvula, or palatal implant surgery, which stiffens and reduces vibrations in tissues. 

To evaluate and reduce your snoring, call the office or schedule an appointment online with Lake Grove ENT today.