Snoring is much more than an inconvenience for your spouse or partner. It can be masking an underlying issue such as sleep apnea. Perhaps you’ve heard of this condition and understand its implications, but you aren’t sure which doctor you should go to for relief.
You may not have even considered seeing an ENT doctor for snoring, but our experience, expertise and effectiveness make us the best choice for those seeking solutions. Because we are well-versed in the intricate structures that comprise your nose and throat, we can determine the underlying source of your snoring and work with you to find an important solution.
We’ve gathered key information on how our ENT doctors in Raleigh are uniquely qualified to be your primary point of contact on your treatment journey. Want to know more? Simply contact us to request an appointment.
How Can an ENT Doctor Help With Snoring?
Our ENTs in Raleigh have decades of training and have helped thousands of area residents stop snoring and return to a good night’s sleep. Of course, our treatment plan is based on each individual situation, and we’ll tailor our approach accordingly. In general, the following are some ways we help our patients overcome snoring:
Correct anatomical problems
Do you have a deviated septum? Perhaps you’ve been told that your adenoids are enlarged. If these or any other issues with your nose or throat structure aren’t corrected, your snoring will continue. Some of the procedures we perform include:
- Removing the tonsils or adenoids
- Conducting a septoplasty (repairing a deviated septum)
- Performing a uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). The uvula is the part you see hanging down in the back of your throat. Sometimes, we need to remove excess tissue in a procedure called a UPPP to help widen the airway.
These procedures require the skills of one of our board-certified otolaryngologists, which is why you should see an ENT doctor for snoring.
Complete imaging studies
Of course, we can’t determine if you have structural issues without detailed images. These enable us to make a comprehensive diagnosis. We offer comprehensive CT scanning services in our office. Our scanner uses one-tenth (1/10) of the radiation that most other CT scanners do, so you’ll be exposed to much less radiation when you entrust your care to us.
Provide effective allergy/sinus solutions
Allergy and sinus problems can also contribute to snoring due to stuffiness and blocked airways. We’ll work with you to determine the source of your allergies, and then evaluate whether medication or immunotherapy would be the best choice for relief.
When Should Snoring Be A Concern?
Snoring can be dangerous. In certain cases, it can be an indicator of sleep apnea, a condition where you stop breathing at several short intervals through the night. If left unchecked, it can place you at risk for high blood pressure, heart issues, and even having a stroke.
In fact, if you answer “yes” to any of the following questions you should see one of our ENT doctors for snoring.
- Do you wake up during the night gasping for air?
- Do you have excessive daytime fatigue?
- Has your spouse or partner told you that you appear to stop breathing during the night?
- Do you have morning headaches?
In addition, if you have a chronic health condition, then snoring treatment is even more important. Snoring can make conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease worse.
What Are Some of the Most Common Treatments for Snoring?
Lifestyle changes are usually the first method of treatment. Weight loss and even changing your sleeping position can make a difference. However, sometimes this may merely mask an underlying problem, which is why it’s vital to see an ENT doctor for snoring.
Medical treatments such as nasal sprays and allergy medications can provide relief if your snoring is due to swollen and irritated nasal passages. Surgical intervention, as we mentioned earlier, is appropriate if there are structural problems with your nose or throat.
One of the most common treatments for snoring is the use of a CPAP machine. This machine delivers a constant stream of air through a mask. This keeps your airway open throughout the night, eliminating snoring.
We’ve compiled a lot of useful information on CPAP machines in our earlier article: “A Beginner’s Guide to CPAP Machines.”
When Should I Go To an ENT Doctor For Snoring?
If you’ve experienced the symptoms we listed above—gasping for air during the night, daytime drowsiness and headaches— then you should contact us to schedule an appointment. During the consultation, we’ll review your medical history and discuss your symptoms. We may order a CT scan so we can check for any structural abnormalities. We may also recommend a sleep study.
We encourage you to ask questions. We promise to take the time to address any concerns you may have. Some questions you may wish to consider include:
- What is causing my snoring?
- What tests or exams will I need?
- What is a sleep study? What happens during one?
- Are there any lifestyle changes that would help me?
- Is my snoring related to another medical condition?
- What are the most common treatments and are there side effects?
- Am I a candidate for a CPAP machine? If so, how do they work?
Stop Snoring Safely With Expert Help From Our Board-Certified ENTs in Raleigh
We’ve reviewed several reasons why you should take snoring seriously. Failure to resolve this in a timely manner could lead to more serious health problems in the future. ENTs are in a perfect position to help you. Our in-depth knowledge paves the way to effective treatment.
Don’t delay—we welcome the opportunity to be your medical home. Just contact us to request an appointment.
Key Takeaways:
- Snoring can be an indicator of a potentially serious health condition called sleep apnea, so it’s important to get treatment.
- If you have symptoms of sleep apnea, such as gasping for air during the night, daytime drowsiness, morning headaches and difficulty staying asleep, schedule an appointment with one of our ENTs.
- Because ENTs have in-depth knowledge of nasal and throat anatomy, they are the best choice for seeking solutions.
- Treatments for snoring depend upon the underlying cause. It may involve surgery to treat structural abnormalities, medication for sinus issues, or use of a CPAP machine.
The content within this article and others on this website is only for educational purposes and should not be considered medical advice. For any questions or concerns, please consult with your healthcare provider.