Effective Diagnosis and Treatment at Brevard ENT Center
What Is Snoring?
Snoring and sleep apnea are common sleep disorders that can affect breathing and prevent patients from getting a sufficient amount of rest each night. When air flows past our throat while sleeping, the tissues vibrate and create the sounds we recognize as snoring. Snoring is very common and occurs at least occasionally in almost half of all adults.
When we sleep, our throat muscles relax and vibrate when air tries to pass through but is blocked. Snoring can be brought on by:
- Nasal congestion
- Alcohol consumption
- Sleep apnea
- The anatomy of your mouth
If your tonsils are enlarged, your airway can be narrower and vibrate more when air tries to flow through. Being overweight can also contribute to a narrowed airway.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Heavy snorers may suffer from sleep apnea, a condition when snoring is frequently interrupted by periods of completely obstructed breathing. Sleep apnea affects about 18 million people of all ages in the U.S. and takes three forms:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Central Sleep Apnea
Mixed Sleep Apnea
Inspire® Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Brevard Ear, Nose and Throat Center can help with the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, including Inspire, a solution for sleep apnea that does not require a mask or hose.
Check out Inspire and see if it is the right fit for you. If you have concerns regarding sleep apnea or questions about treatments, including Inspire, feel free to
call our office to make an appointment.
Treatment Options
For those with sleep apnea or heavy snoring, several treatment options are available:
- Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) – Surgery that treats obstructive sleep apnea by tightening the tissue in the throat and palate to expand the passageways
- Thermal Ablation Palatoplasty (TAP) – A variety of procedures (bipolar cautery, laser, and radiofrequency) to treat snoring and sleep apnea
- Laser Assisted Uvula Palatoplasty (LAUP) – Removes obstruction in the airway using a laser
- Radiofrequency Ablation – Shrinks excess tissue using emitted energy
- Genioglossus and Hyoid Advancement – Surgically opens up the lower throat and pulls tongue muscles forward
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) – Involves wearing a pressurized mask over the nose while sleeping; pumps air to keep the airway open
- Septoplasty and Turbinate Surgery – Reduces resistance to airflow through the nose
Why Treatment Matters
While snoring may seem harmless, it is a serious medical condition that requires treatment to prevent future health problems for you and others. Talk to your doctor today if you suffer from snoring.
Take Action for Better Sleep Today
Don’t let snoring and sleep apnea continue to impact your health and quality of life. Modern treatments are highly effective and can dramatically improve your sleep, energy levels, and overall well-being.