Snoring
Is your spouse ruining your chance to get a good night’s sleep? If you share a bed with someone who snores, you realize that constant snoring can cause a strain on a relationship. In addition, snoring may be a symptom of a more serious condition called sleep apnea.
Snoring is an extremely common condition that results from the vibration of tissues in the throat during sleep. Sleep apnea occurs when there is significant obstruction when breathing during sleep, meaning that the snorer may actually stop breathing several times during the night. Symptoms of sleep apnea can include:
- Waking frequently during the night
- Daytime sleepiness
- Restless sleep
- Decreased energy
- Poor concentration
Sleep Apnea
While sleep apnea is rarely a life-threatening condition, it can lead to serious problems over time—often silently without the patient realizing it. These problems can include increased risk for heart attack and stroke. Those who snore, or are suspected to have sleep apnea, should be evaluated. Often, an overnight sleep study is needed to evaluate the problem.
Common causes for snoring/sleep apnea include:
- Being overweight
- Nasal obstruction
- Large tonsils
- Long uvula and palate
- A large tongue
Treatment options may include:
- Allergy medicines
- Mandibular advancement devices
- CPAP (positive airway pressure)
- Surgical treatment, including in-office palatal surgery, nasal surgery, and operating room procedures such as palate and tongue surgery
At the Raleigh Capitol Sinus & Allergy Center, our experienced physicians will promptly evaluate your snoring problem with care and compassion. All of our ENT physicians are associated with Raleigh Capitol Ear, Nose & Throat. After a thorough evaluation and review of test results, a full range of treatment options will be discussed to help you decide which option is best for you. To get started on the road to a better, more rested you, request your appointment today.