You probably wouldn’t be able to sleep through the sound of a jackhammer! Would you believe that snoring can be just as loud? Sure, it's annoying, but snoring is more than just noise. It can take a toll on your everyday life and overall health. Luckily we have plenty of solutions. CHI Health is here to tell you what you should know on “Snoring: Uncovered.”
Hi, I'm Dr. Aaron Robinson, and I am an ear nose and throat specialist. Nearly half of all American adults snore occasionally, and one in four are habitual snorers. That nightly symphony takes a toll. Daytime sleepiness, morning headaches and difficulty with memory and attention are common problems that can occur. Snoring can also lead to weight gain and a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.
People sometimes think snoring is a disease that can be cured, but it's actually a symptom that something else is going on. Being overweight is the top reason people snore, because extra weight narrows your airways. Drinking alcohol before bed slackens the throat tissues; smoking and seasonal allergies bring on congestion that clog the system.
Sometimes, structural problems are to blame. So, let's go to the source - your nose. A deviated septum leaves less room for breathing on one side of the nose; nasal turbinates can be enlarged due to allergies, inflammation, infection or just plain genetics. Weak cartilage can collapse and make air flow turbulent and loud. A word of caution - if you gasp or have pauses in your breathing while you're asleep, you should be evaluated for a more serious condition called sleep apnea.
Sometimes you can stop snoring yourself, and not with a pillow. Start by losing excess weight. Don’t drink alcohol before bedtime, and it's always a good move to crush that smoking habit. Over-the-counter nasal rinses and nasal sprays can reduce inflammation. Nighttime nasal strips can keep cartilage from collapsing so give them a try. For more advanced solutions, see an ear nose and throat specialist. We have nasal implants for keeping passages open, cryotherapy that reduces inflammation and advice for oral appliances.
Seek out an Ear, Nose and Throat physician for further questions or an office visit.
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