Snoring
About one-quarter of adults snore habitually, and close to over half of adults snore occasionally. Obstructions in the nasal passages or airway entrance can result in snoring and also may cause more serious conditions like obstructive sleep apnea. If you snore, it may be more than a nuisance for those who are trying to sleep around you. You could be at risk of sleep apnea, and it may be a symptom of other upper respiratory conditions. At Julie Zweig, MD Integrative Sleep & ENT, we offer treatment for snoring and the underlying conditions at our clinic in Alpharetta, GA.
What Causes Snoring?
The sound of snoring occurs when tissues within the back of the mouth and throat vibrate when breathing. Breathing through the mouth while sleeping can make this sound louder, shaking the uvula, soft pallet, tongue and throat tissues against each other. If your nasal passages are blocked or you have a stuffy nose, you are more likely to snore. Allergies, colds and sinus congestion can all increase the likelihood of snoring. Men are at higher risk of snoring, as are those that are overweight.
Risks Associated with Snoring
Heavy snoring can disrupt your sleep pattern and keep others around you awake. Considering the importance of routine rest for energy, focus and overall health, getting quality sleep should be a priority. Beyond the sound of snoring, it is a symptom of many upper respiratory conditions. Snoring is one of the main symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. It can also indicate you have enlarged turbinates, adenoids or tonsils, chronic rhinitis or sinusitis.
The treatment for snoring depends on the cause. If your snoring is caused by nasal obstructions, treatment for the nasal condition could relieve your snoring. Oral devices can be used to open the airway and stop the soft tissues from vibrating. For those with obstructive sleep apnea, there are cutting-edge, integrative treatments available here at Julie Zweig, MD Integrative Sleep & ENT.
To get to the bottom of why you snore, contact our team to schedule an appointment with our ENT and sleep medicine specialist, Dr. Julie Zweig. Call our office in Alpharetta, GA, to book your snoring exam and consultation.
