Does your partner often complain that you snore too much? You are not alone; about half of the American population snore at one point in their lives. However, for about forty percent of men and twenty-four percent of women, the snoring is chronic. Other than being a nuisance for your house and bedmates, snoring can be an indication of a larger health problem. At Otolaryngology & Facial Plastic Surgery, Alexis Furze, MD, is a nose, ear, and throat specialist providing innovative Newport Beach snoring treatments and surgeries to help you sleep easier again. To remedy your snoring, contact the office or book an appointment online today.
What is Snoring?
Snoring is a very common condition that varies in severity from a slight nuisance to a severe and life-altering issue that inhibits you from getting a good night’s sleep. The condition happens when the tissue in your nose or/and throat relaxes and vibrates. It often occurs when you breathe in, but it can also happen both as you breathe in and out.
What Are the Potential Causes of Snoring?
As stated earlier, almost everyone snores at some point in their lives, usually after a night of drinking alcohol or when having a cold. Such snoring issues are temporary and perfectly normal, so it’s nothing to cause concern. However, if your snoring is habitual, it can be a result of something more serious. Some of the possible causes of snoring include obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), anatomical problems in your nose like a deviated septum, and issues with the soft tissue on your throat or at the back of your mouth. Generally, many conditions can cause snoring.
What Are Some of the Risk Factors of Snoring?
Various factors increase your risk of snoring. These include:
- Sleeping position, mainly, sleeping on your back.
- Gender. Men are more susceptible to snoring than women.
- Alcohol consumption.
- Being obese or overweight.
What Are the Available Treatments for Snoring?
There are several effective treatments for snoring. However, the best treatment for you is based on the root cause of your snoring. When you go to the practice with snoring concerns, the doctor starts by reviewing your medical history and performing a physical examination. To assess structural problems on your nose and sinuses, the doctor might perform an in-office CT scan as well as nasal and sinus endoscopic evaluation. He may also monitor your throat closely to determine if your tonsils, palate, or other tissues are the cause of your snoring.
After a diagnosis of the cause of your snoring, the doctor develops an individualized treatment plan designed to address your specific snoring issue. Dr. Furze starts by recommending conservative treatments such as decongestants, lifestyle changes like losing weight, decreasing alcohol consumption, and changing your sleep positions. If an anatomical problem causes your snoring, the doctor provides various surgical options such as rhinoplasty or septoplasty to correct your issue.
In conclusion, if you constantly snore, distracting your sleep and that of your partner, depriving them of sleep, you should consider consulting with Dr. Furze. To learn more about the best type of treatment for you, call or schedule an appointment online today.
