Approximately 45% of adults snore occasionally, and 25% snore regularly. Snoring comes in many forms. It can be a constant rumbling, shake-the-house, sleep-in-another-room snore, or an infrequent and faint, almost whisper-like snore. Many people exhibit both types of snoring at different times. Let’s take a look at why people snore and when you should seek ENT help for your particular brand of snoring.
Why Do We Snore?
People snore when air can’t move easily through the nose and mouth, resulting in a rumbling sound. A few possible causes of snoring include:
- Congestion from allergies, flu or the common cold
- Deviated septum
- Enlarged adenoids
- Alcohol consumption
- Sleep apnea
While occasional snoring isn’t usually a big deal, prolonged snoring could indicate an underlying condition, such as sleep apnea or a deviated septum, that requires treatment.
When To Seek ENT Help
If your partner tells you that you’re consistently snoring loudly, tossing and turning in your sleep or you notice daytime symptoms of poor sleep quality, you should schedule an appointment with your ENT specialist.
A few daytime signs of poor sleep quality include:
- Dry mouth or sore throat
- Excess fatigue
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Trouble concentrating
Your ENT specialist can help you get to the bottom of your symptoms and get you on the right treatment path towards better sleep quality.
Diagnosing Sleep Issues
Your ENT specialist will conduct a physical exam and review your medical history to look for non-sleep apnea culprits behind your snoring. If they suspect sleep apnea is behind your symptoms, they’ll order an in-lab or at-home sleep study to confirm it.
Treating Sleep Conditions
Your treatment options will vary depending on the cause behind your snoring, but common examples include:
- Corrective surgery. You may require surgery to remove the adenoids, correct a deviated septum or address other issues contributing to sleep apnea.
- CPAP machine. A CPAP machine is the most widely used treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.
- Nasal strips. Nasal strips stick to the outside of your nose to improve airflow. Your sleep specialist may recommend them if there is no condition behind your snoring or if you have temporary congestion.
- Medication. Cold or allergy medication will temporarily alleviate congestion and reduce snoring.
- Oral appliance. An oral appliance, or mouthguard, keeps your jaw in the right place while you sleep to improve airflow.
- Lifestyle changes. Limiting alcohol, changing your sleeping position, getting regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet with lots of Greeley Farmers’ Market produce may minimize snoring.
If your snoring is keeping your partner up at night or draining your energy during the day, contact Alpine Ear Nose & Throat PC today to schedule a consultation with one of our sleep specialists.