People frequently view snoring as a social issue since it disturbs bed partners and roommates. Snoring is not only annoying, but it also wakes up other people in the house. But snoring may be a sign of a chronic condition that has to be treated.
Many conditions might result in the symptom of snoring, causing minor inconveniences all the way up to serious sleep deprivation and health issues. It may be time to see your ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor if you have been snoring for an extended period of time.
Why do people snore?
Why do some individuals snore as they sleep while others sleep silently? The reality is that most individuals snore occasionally, although some snore more frequently than others.
When someone snores, it’s because there is a vibration when the air travels between the throat and nose. Usually, the vibration occurs in the soft palate or the back of the tongue.
Snoring may result from a variety of factors; obstructive sleep apnea is the most common one, in which the airway gets blocked and airflow is restricted. Several things, including being overweight, having enlarged tonsils or adenoids, consuming alcohol, smoking, and resting on your back, might contribute to this. Additional reasons for snoring include nasal congestion brought on by allergies or a crooked septum, a cold, and nasal polyps.
Does snoring suggest sleep apnea?
You might have sleep apnea if you snore, in which case the noises might be a sign. In this instance, snoring can be a health risk in addition to being an inconvenience.
You should get treatment for sleep apnea as soon as you can because it is a significant medical issue. If you snore, keep an eye out for these additional symptoms to see if sleep apnea is likely the underlying cause.
You may experience the following symptoms:
- Irregular breathing while sleeping
- Chest pain while sleeping
- Sudden cessation of breathing while sleeping
- Feeling tired even after a long night’s sleep
- Choking or gasping when you wake up
Your quality of life is severely impacted by sleep apnea. When you can’t breathe while you’re sleeping, you’re not getting enough oxygen and air. A number of different medical issues might develop as a result of sleep apnea.
When does snoring become dangerous?
When you have obstructive sleep apnea, snoring becomes dangerous. This disorder is linked with episodes at night where a person stops breathing. If it is left untreated, it can cause substantial daily fatigue and depression and result in high blood pressure, heart failure, heart attacks, and stroke.
If you snore, should you visit an ENT?
Consistent snoring is an indication that you should consult an ENT to rule out any major issues. In addition to making you the punchline of jokes, snoring has a negative impact on your general health if left untreated.
What would a snoring medical examination involve?
A thorough history would be obtained before a physical examination. This is done to examine the mouth and evaluate the tongue and palate, as well as look for any lumps in the neck that can cause snoring. ENT specialists can examine the front of the nose to search for a deviated nasal septum. An obstruction in the nasal airways can be checked for by performing a nasal endoscopy on the back of the nose.
A patient’s Body Mass Index (BMI) is also measured during an examination because snoring has been linked to individuals with higher BMIs. The patient’s neck’s diameter is also measured because people with thicker necks are more likely to snore.
What are the treatment options for snoring?
There are several treatments available, and a specialist can recommend the one that is best for you.
·Lifestyle changes
- Reducing weight
- Reducing alcohol consumption
- Discontinuing the use of nighttime sedatives
- Using a positional sleep aid
- Using a mandibular advancement splint at night
Radiofrequency/laser palatoplasty
In order to reduce noise, this procedure stiffens the soft palate at the back of the mouth, making it less likely to vibrate.
CPAP machine
Wearing sensors that record sleep and transmit data to a monitor may be advised for people with suspected obstructive sleep apnea. A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine could be recommended if the test findings indicate moderate to severe sleep apnea. In order to prevent airways from collapsing, it applies positive pressure on them.
When a patient doesn’t tolerate a CPAP machine, surgery may be an option.
Surgery
Surgery may be suggested when physical issues are the source of snoring. These surgical procedures not only cure snoring but also help with symptoms and problems that are related to it.
You may be making noises while you are sleeping if there are obstructions in your sinuses or nasal passages, and by removing any obstructions, the airways can be opened. There are numerous snoring surgeries to deal with the unique anatomical issues.
Make an ENT appointment to discuss your treatment options
It’s time to make an appointment with an ENT if you’re seeking a solution to stop snoring. All ages of people can get assistance from Dr. (Prof.) Ameet Kishore, the best ENT specialist in Delhi. All disorders affecting your ears, nose, and throat can be fully treated by him.
