Snoring

What causes snoring?

When you sleep, your airway can become blocked and cause snoring.

Many people aren't aware that they snore. In some cases, your snoring may be loud enough to wake up others in your household. You may even wake up gasping or choking because your breathing is completely blocked. These can be symptoms of a serious condition called obstructive sleep apnea. 

Should I be worried about my snoring?

If you snore, you need an evaluation from a qualified doctor at Beach Cities ENTS. Your provider performs in-depth tests to determine the cause of your snoring. These tests also include an assessment for sleep apnea. 

People with sleep apnea often feel groggy during the day. They may have memory problems, trouble focusing, or feelings of depression. 

Sleep apnea also increases your risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks and stroke. Treatment helps lower these risks so you can sleep soundly and feel refreshed during the day.

How is snoring treated?

Beach Cities ENTS offers a wide range of snoring treatments. Your provider helps you review your options and choose a treatment that's right for you.

Your treatment plan may include:

  • Lifestyle changes–adequate sleep, weight loss, healthy eating

  • Avoiding alcohol and smoking

  • Changing sleeping position

  • Prescription medications

  • Nasal strips or sprays

  • Dental appliances

These treatments may help reduce inflammation in the nose and sinuses. They can also realign your jaw and relieve pressure on your face and throat. 

If you have sleep apnea, your provider might suggest a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask. This machine applies steady air pressure to keep your airways open while you sleep. CPAP masks help reduce your risk of heart problems and other serious complications.

Can surgery help with my snoring?

If your symptoms don't respond to other treatments, you might need surgery. Nasal congestion, polyps, and large tonsils can all contribute to snoring. Surgery may help to remove these obstructions and clear your airway. 

Inspire® can also help relieve snoring airway collapse causes. This treatment uses a small neurostimulator device, which is placed in your neck and chest during a simple outpatient procedure. 

While you sleep, Inspire delivers gentle electrical stimulation to your tongue to prevent your airway from relaxing. The stimulation is not painful and doesn’t wake you up during the night. Unlike CPAP masks, Inspire requires no cumbersome machinery or noisy devices. 

Other surgical procedures can alleviate your symptoms. Your surgeon may recommend:

  • Septoplasty–straightens a crooked septum inside the nose

  • Tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy–increases breathing space in the throat

  • Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty or expansion pharyngoplasty to removes excess palate tissues

Your provider can help you decide if surgery or Inspire is right for you. The Beach Cities ENTS team works with you to provide top-quality care before and after your procedure. 

Is stubborn snoring frustrating you? Call Beach Cities ENTS today or schedule an appointment online.