Snoring

Snoring in Tuscaloosa

Snoring is an extremely common occurrence in adults, and it happens when air flow through the passages at the back of the mouth and nose are obstructed. Snoring occurs when internal structures of the throat hit each other, causing vibration during breathing.

Who is at Risk for Snoring?

Snoring is more likely to occur in adults and older individuals as our throat muscles become more relaxed. Snoring in children may be a sign of issues with the tonsils and adenoids. Individuals who poor muscle tone in the tongue or throat, bulkiness of throat tissue (tonsils and adenoids), a long soft palate, or obstructed nasal airways are more likely to snore.

Signs and symptoms of snoring include:

• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Waking up throughout the night
• Trouble with concentration

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, your snoring may be preventing you from a good night’s sleep. This can, in turn, result in serious, life-long health problems. An ENT physician can examine your symptoms using a fiber optic scope, which can reveal if snoring is caused by a nasal allergy, nasal obstruction, infection, or enlarged tonsils or adenoids.

In some cases, snoring may be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is a serious condition in which a patient will experience pauses of breathing for more than 10 seconds at a time. This is caused by an upper airway narrowing or collapse and can have a negative impact on the sleep cycle.

Snoring Treatments

The type of treatment required will depend on the cause of your snoring. Our ENT specialists will conduct a physician examination and perform the necessary testing to best diagnose your case. For milder cases of snoring, changes in lifestyle may be recommended, such as taking a decongestant or changing your sleeping position. For more serious cases, surgery or the use of devices that can open nasal air passages.

If you suffer from snoring and it is taking a toll on your daily life, contact Tuscaloosa ENT today. We would be happy to schedule your appointment with one of our ENT specialists.