Almost every household has one person who snores and one person who suffers because of it. Most people try the easy fixes first, like a different pillow, a nasal strip from the pharmacy or sleeping on the side. Sometimes that helps for a week or two. Then the noise comes back. If this sounds familiar, the next step is a proper snoring treatment plan that starts with finding out why you snore. Guessing only wastes months.
Why Do People Snore in the First Place?
Ever wondered why certain folks snore like a chainsaw at night? Snoring is the result of the airflow passing through your nose and throat being blocked in some way. When we sleep, the soft tissues at the back of our throats relax, narrowing the airway and vibrating as the air travels through – the vibrating sound we know as snoring. And what causes that narrowing? For some, it’s the tongue and soft palate. For others, it’s related to weight or having a nightcap. And for many, it’s because they’ve got blocked noses and sinuses.
Pause for a second and see how it feels to breathe through your nose. Do you notice that one side is more stuffed up than the other? That could be a red flag. If your nose isn’t moving air well, you breathe through your mouth at night and of course, that can make you snore louder. Which is why a lot of better solutions are found by looking at your nose, and not just your throat.
How Nasal and Sinus Problems Feed Snoring
Here’s a closer look at those unruly nasal and sinus problems. A crooked septum, inflamed turbinates, nasal polyps, and persistent sinus inflammation can block the flow of air. Throw allergies into the picture, and the problem worsens. During pollen season in Central Texas, many experience noisier snoring, worse sleep, and a parched mouth when they wake up. It all relates to swollen nasal linings, which can cause less room for air.
Here’s the problem: often, allergy treatment in Austin is a component of the snoring discussion. Any kind of allergic reaction that causes the nose to stay inflamed and stuffy all night long means that no throat appliance will fully do the trick. When you take care of allergies with testing, medication, or other allergy treatments, you can clear that airway out enough to get the snoring to stop-more than you might think.
What Happens at a Snoring Evaluation?
Considering having your snoring evaluated? An exam begins with a few questions, not a surgical scalpel. How long have you snored? Do you wake up tired? Has your significant other detected any stops in breathing? Do you ever wake up and have a headache, stuffy nose or feel a pressure on your face? Wondering if its just snoring or possible sleep apnea? Well here’s the deal – understanding the difference could be important.
What now? Your doctor will have a look up your nose and down your throat (sometimes they use a tiny camera) to find out if there’s something else that might be to blame. If he or she thinks it could be sleep apnea, then you’ll probably do a sleep test so they can get a closer look.
This comprehensive methodology is consistent with the practice philosophy at Premier Sinus. Led by Dr. Shawn Allen, a fellowship-trained sinus specialist and Board-certified ENT, Dr. Allen specializes in the treatment of nose and sinus problems. In Austin, Dr. Daniel Leeman is a double Board-certified ENT and facial plastic surgeon who works with the team at Premier Sinus, providing patients with numerous opinions in one convenient location.
Which Snoring Treatment Options Are Out There?
Want a miracle cure? Sorry, there isn’t one, and if anyone is telling you there is, they’re probably trying to sell you something. The truth is, there are generally a few options that are reasonably realistic:
– Lifestyle changes are usually the easiest to try first. A little weight loss, no evening booze, sleeping on your side might put a stop to the snoring if it’s mild. They cost nothing so why not try them?
– Then comes the Medical Nose Treatment. Steroid sprays, allergy medicines, saline rinses and allergy testing can all treat congestion in the nose that’s causing the swelling. If your congested nose is at the center of your snoring problem, just this may solve things.
– They can also do some people a favour. A simple mouth guard that moves your jaw forward can be effective, and for sleep apnoea the use of a CPAP machine is the norm. As long as they are used for the right reason – they’re effective. have you ever wondered, when all else has failed and I am still not able to breathe well, what then? Then surgery or an office procedure may be your last chance. For some, straightening the deviated septum, moving the big turbinates, or cleaning up the sinuses may make a big difference. For others, the problem may be the soft palate or the throat. Not “buzz worthy,” exam worthy!
Where Does Balloon Sinus Surgery Fit In?
Looking to see if sinus procedures will relieve snoring? As with other sinus therapies, a sinus procedure only helps when their Sinuses are a factor. Having trouble breathing comfortably at night from a sinus infection? Here’s how you can finally breath freely again. Balloon Sinuplasty Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive sinus procedure that uses a small balloon to expand a constricted sinus opening. Curious how it works?
The problem is this: it’s not the ultimate snoring treatment and isn’t going to work for everyone. If you’re snoring due to your throat or sleep apnea, that’s a different approach. Which is why assessment comes first.
How Do You Know When to See a Specialist?
OK, so when should you see a specialist? Heavy snoring that never stops, gasping for air or choking in sleep, tiredness through the day, waking up with headaches, or your partner noting a pause in your breathing are indicators. If you’re always congested, suffer regular sinus infections, or allergy treatments are doing nothing, make an appointment.
Things rarely get better by waiting. Sleep deprivation affects all aspects of your health, including your mood, concentration and your heart; untreated sleep apnea is one such problem that can do damage. A visit today can help you know if it’s merely loud snoring or not.
Final Thoughts
Snoring is common, but that doesn’t mean it’s inevitable. The most successful treatments get to the root of the problem – allergies, nasal congestion, an affected throat, sleep apnea, or whatever the cause – and treat the source. It might be prescription meds and sleep hygiene, or it might be balloon sinus surgery (if you’ve got a chronic issue that’s swelling up and blocking your nose). Whatever it takes, your Premier Sinus expert ENT team can get you on the road to better sleep (and fewer sleepless nights for your partner).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can allergies make snoring worse?
Sure! Allergies cause the nasal lining to swell and water it with mucus, limiting your airways and encouraging you to breathe through your mouth at night. Addressing allergies can also help lower snoring.
Is snoring always a sign of sleep apnea?
Not necessarily. Some people snore and they don’t have apnea. But if you’re snoring loudly and you’re gasping, or stopping breathing, or if you’re extremely sleepy during the day, you should get screened for sleep apnea.
Does balloon sinus surgery stop snoring?
Not by itself. It may be beneficial if you have a blocked nose that blocks your nose. If you snore due to your throat or sleep apnoea, try another method.
