Common Problems : Snoring

Over 100 million people snore at least occasionally. For most, the condition is more annoying that dangerous. But left untreated, snoring can worsen over time. Even occasional snoring can be a warning sign of a serious disease called obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the closing of the upper airway while sleeping. This usually occurs when relaxed soft tissue at the back of the throat completely blocks the airway. When air cannot reach the lungs, you momentarily stop breathing during sleep.

A complete examination by your doctor is the first step towards snoring relief. The doctor will check for enlarged or crowded throat structures and evaluate factors such as weight, blood pressure and heart rate before recommending the best treatment plan for you.

Many devices and procedures have been developed to temporarily control snoring. Non-surgical approaches, such as weight loss, lifestyle modifications, or oral appliances to reposition the jaw during sleep are possibilities. There are also more aggressive and invasive surgical options for patients who do not get relief from these conservative treatments.

There are many effective treatment options you can discuss with an Otolaryngologist. These include Coblation, surgical excision of tissue, implants and other techniques.