When To Seek Medical Help for Snoring
When To Seek Medical Help for Snoring
- updated: Oct. 11, 2024
Occasional snoring is normal, but if your snoring is becoming more frequent and louder and keeps others from sleeping, you should seek out the expertise of your ENT specialist. Dr. Siva Elangovan at Resolve ENT in Chicago, IL, offers comprehensive ENT services, including diagnosing and treating snoring and sleep apnea.
What You Need To Know About Snoring
Snoring is caused by the tissue at the back of your throat momentarily relaxing. You are more likely to snore if you:
- Drink alcohol before bed
- Have gained weight
- Sleep on your back
- Sleep with your mouth open
If you are experiencing more frequent, deep, loud snoring, it could be a sign of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is caused by a narrowed airway (in the nose and/or throat) and decreased muscle tone. This often results in the soft tissue at the back of your throat relaxing and collapsing while you sleep. The relaxed tissue can partially or completely block your airway, reducing or stopping the oxygen supply to your vital organs.
You should seek medical help and sleep apnea testing if you are:
- Waking up with a gasping or choking sensation
- Having headaches and a sore throat when you wake up
- Feeling fatigued during the day
- Experiencing daytime grogginess and difficulty concentrating
Sleep apnea treatment begins with a sleep study by your ENT specialist to determine if you have sleep apnea or another sleep disorder. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, your ENT specialist may recommend:
A CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) machine is a device that produces a continuous supply of oxygen. The oxygen is breathed through a mask worn while sleeping.
Improving your ability to breathe through the nose can also significantly improve snoring and sleep apnea. This can be achieved with medical treatment and/or in-office, minimally invasive procedures.
An oral mandibular advancement appliance is a small appliance fitting over your upper and lower teeth and holds your lower jaw forward. The appliance keeps your airway open while you sleep.
Want To Know More About Snoring and Sleep Apnea?
To learn more about snoring, sleep apnea, and when to seek medical help, call Dr. Siva Elangovan at Resolve ENT in Chicago, IL. You can reach him in the office by calling (773) 828-3001, so call today.
When To Seek Medical Help for Snoring
- updated: Oct. 11, 2024
Occasional snoring is normal, but if your snoring is becoming more frequent and louder and keeps others from sleeping, you should seek out the expertise of your ENT specialist. Dr. Siva Elangovan at Resolve ENT in Chicago, IL, offers comprehensive ENT services, including diagnosing and treating snoring and sleep apnea.
What You Need To Know About Snoring
Snoring is caused by the tissue at the back of your throat momentarily relaxing. You are more likely to snore if you:
- Drink alcohol before bed
- Have gained weight
- Sleep on your back
- Sleep with your mouth open
If you are experiencing more frequent, deep, loud snoring, it could be a sign of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is caused by a narrowed airway (in the nose and/or throat) and decreased muscle tone. This often results in the soft tissue at the back of your throat relaxing and collapsing while you sleep. The relaxed tissue can partially or completely block your airway, reducing or stopping the oxygen supply to your vital organs.
You should seek medical help and sleep apnea testing if you are:
- Waking up with a gasping or choking sensation
- Having headaches and a sore throat when you wake up
- Feeling fatigued during the day
- Experiencing daytime grogginess and difficulty concentrating
Sleep apnea treatment begins with a sleep study by your ENT specialist to determine if you have sleep apnea or another sleep disorder. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, your ENT specialist may recommend:
A CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) machine is a device that produces a continuous supply of oxygen. The oxygen is breathed through a mask worn while sleeping.
Improving your ability to breathe through the nose can also significantly improve snoring and sleep apnea. This can be achieved with medical treatment and/or in-office, minimally invasive procedures.
An oral mandibular advancement appliance is a small appliance fitting over your upper and lower teeth and holds your lower jaw forward. The appliance keeps your airway open while you sleep.
Want To Know More About Snoring and Sleep Apnea?
To learn more about snoring, sleep apnea, and when to seek medical help, call Dr. Siva Elangovan at Resolve ENT in Chicago, IL. You can reach him in the office by calling (773) 828-3001, so call today.
Resolve ENT
3228 N Lincoln Ave,
Chicago, IL 60657