If you or your child have ever had a severe ear infection, you probably had to make an appointment with an ENT. These specialists do end up treating a lot of ear infections, but they also do so much more than that. An ENT is the type of doctor you will see if you have an issue with your nose. They're also the one you'll see if you have a sore throat, or if you see spots in the back of your throat. They are some of the most important and useful medical specialists around, and we are excited to write more about them here.
Snoring is a common issue that affects many individuals and their partners. While occasional snoring is usually harmless, chronic and severe snoring can indicate underlying health problems that may require medical intervention. Surgery might be necessary in some cases to address the root cause of snoring.
Loud and Chronic Snoring
If your snoring is loud and persistent, it may be more than an annoyance. Chronic snoring can be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition where the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep. If lifestyle changes and non-surgical treatments such as CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy or oral appliances fail to improve your snoring, surgery may be the next step.
Daytime Sleepiness and Fatigue
Severe snoring can disrupt your sleep cycle, leading to poor quality sleep. If you often feel excessively tired during the day, have trouble concentrating, or frequently fall asleep during routine activities, it could be a sign that your snoring is affecting your overall sleep quality. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of sleep apnea, and surgery might be necessary to ensure you get restful and restorative sleep.
Breathing Pauses during Sleep
Breathing pauses, gasping, or choking sounds during sleep are significant indicators of sleep apnea. These interruptions in breathing can lead to reduced oxygen levels in the blood and strain on the cardiovascular system. If you or your partner notices these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional. Surgical options like uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) or maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) can help by removing or repositioning tissues that block the airway.
Frequent Waking at Night
If you wake up frequently during the night, especially if you feel like you're gasping for air, it could be due to snoring-related breathing problems. Repeated awakenings can prevent you from reaching deep, restorative stages of sleep. Surgical procedures such as septoplasty or turbinate reduction can correct structural issues in the nasal passages, improving airflow and reducing the frequency of nocturnal awakenings.
High Blood Pressure
Chronic snoring and sleep apnea are linked to hypertension (high blood pressure). If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and other treatments have not been effective, surgery might be necessary to address the underlying sleep disorder. Improving your breathing during sleep can help regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of related cardiovascular conditions.
Snoring is not just a nuisance; it can significantly affect your health and well-being. Experience loud and chronic snoring, daytime sleepiness, breathing pauses, frequent awakenings, high blood pressure, or have not found relief through non-surgical treatments. It may be time to consider surgical options.
Learn more information about snoring surgery today.