I’ve Been Told I Snore… Should I Seek Treatment?

Snoring is an issue that affects many people (and their sleep partners!), disrupting sleep quality and decreasing overall well-being. While occasional snoring may be harmless, persistent snoring can indicate underlying health concerns, such as obstructive sleep apnea. If you know you snore, when should you seek treatment?

Snoring occurs when the flow of air through the mouth and nose is obstructed during sleep, causing the surrounding tissues to vibrate and produce sound. Common factors contributing to snoring include:

• Anatomy: An elongated soft palate or large uvula can narrow the available airway. A deviated septum can obstruct nasal passages too.
• Sinus issues: Conditions like sinusitis can cause congestion, impeding airflow.
• Sleep position: Sleeping on one’s back can cause the tongue and soft tissues to collapse to the back of the throat, obstructing the airway.
• Alcohol consumption: Alcohol relaxes the throat muscles, increasing the likelihood of airway collapse during sleep.

To address snoring, the root cause must be identified so the appropriate intervention can be used. Treatment for snoring may include:

• Lifestyle modifications: Weight loss, reducing alcohol intake and even a simple change in sleep position can all reduce snoring.
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): This involves wearing a mask at night that is connected to a machine that delivers constant air pressure, keeping the airway open during sleep.
• Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation: For those who can’t tolerate CPAP, Inspire therapy offers an alternative. Small devices are surgically implanted and when turned on they can stimulate airway muscles to prevent collapse during sleep.
• Other surgical interventions: Procedures such as septoplasty or turbinate surgery can correct structural issues like a deviated septum, improving airflow and reducing snoring.

When should you seek snoring treatments?

• You notice yourself waking often at night, especially if it’s accompanied by a feeling like gasping for air.
• If you have persistent loud snoring.
• You experience frequent headaches or a dry, sore throat in the morning.
• Staying awake is difficult during daily activities.

An ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist at Biltmore ENT can provide a comprehensive evaluation and tailored treatment plan to address snoring and its underlying causes effectively.