We are now offering early morning and noon appointments on Tuesday. 6:30AM – 5:00PM
Tuscaloosa ENT is the only ENT office open on Friday afternoons in the area. We also offer lunch hour appointments.
Constant snoring can result in a bad night’s sleep and daytime sleepiness for both you and a significant other! There are several treatments that can reduce snoring, but to find the right one, the cause must be properly identified. The following are factors that could lead to snoring.
Anatomy
Snoring occurs when there is a narrowing of the throat, causing the vibrations that result in snoring. There are things that can cause or worsen this narrowing, but for some, it’s just the way their anatomy is! Extra tissue, enlarged tonsils, large adenoids, or a long uvula can all be genetic factors that contribute to snoring. People who are overweight are more likely to have extra tissue in the back of their throat that causes an obstruction of airflow, resulting in snoring.
Lifestyle
You are more likely to snore when your throat or tongue is relaxed. Certain lifestyle habits can contribute to this such as alcohol consumption or sleep deprivation. Medication, especially muscle relaxants, can also contribute to snoring. Overtime, your throat and tongue muscles might relax with age or prolonged smoking. Even something as simple as your sleep position could be causing your snoring or magnifying it! Sleeping on your back can cause the throat to narrow, making snoring louder and more frequent.
Nasal Problems
Anything that causes difficulty breathing through your nose can cause snoring at night. Nasal congestion from allergies or a cold could result in temporary snoring, while chronic congestion might cause more frequent snoring. Chronic congestion could be caused by sinusitis or a deviated septum.
Obstructed Sleep Apnea
Your snoring could be associated with sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that interrupts your breathing during sleep. Obstructed sleep apnea occurs when the back of the throat collapses during sleep. This can cause you to stop breathing during the night and lead to frequent snoring.
Getting Treatment
A consultation with an ENT specialist can help identify the cause of your snoring. Once the cause has been determined, you can be on your way to getting proper treatment and better sleep! To schedule your consultation in Tuscaloosa, AL contact our office today.