What Your Snoring Could Be Telling You
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There are many reasons why someone might snore. Of course, if your partner complains that your snoring is akin to a buzz saw or freight train, then this habit could be warning you of a bigger problem. In fact, your snoring might be letting you know that you could have sleep apnea.
While not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, most people who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea are also loud snorers. Obstructive sleep apnea causes the airways to collapse in the back of the throat, producing breathing cessations multiple times throughout the night. This sleep disorder can cause detrimental effects on your health like stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes and even cardiovascular disease.
Sleep apnea doesn’t only affect your health — it also deprives you of the quality sleep you need. As a result, you may find yourself dealing with mood swings or lack of concentration.
Sometimes snoring is a warning sign that you are dealing with sinus problems or an infection. Allergies can also cause congestion, which can make it difficult to breathe and ultimately lead to snoring. Furthermore, structural abnormalities such as a deviated septum can also affect how much air you get through your nose.
If you suspect that you may be dealing with allergies or other nasal problems, then it’s time to turn to an otolaryngologist who can help. Sometimes medication is all that’s needed to treat your symptoms and prevent snoring, while in other cases surgical repairs are required.
Enlarged tonsils may also play a role in snoring. This tissue located in the back of your throat is the body’s first line of defense against infection. Of course, if they are enlarged then it only makes sense that you may be more likely to snore. Whether you have issues with snoring or sleep apnea, sometimes removing the tonsils is a great way to eliminate breathing issues and stop snoring altogether.
If you are a loud snorer or if you are not experiencing restful sleep, it’s important that you turn to an ENT expert who can help you get to the bottom of your problems. Everyone deserves to get quality sleep.
