Snoring: When To Seek Medical Treatment
Snoring affects about 90 million American adults, 25% who snore habitually and 45% who snore occasionally. If you or your partner snores, disturbed sleep is the least of your problems. Snoring can also cause daytime sleepiness, trouble concentrating, irregular heartbeat, and even gasping or choking during sleep.
In a healthy sleeper, air flows freely throughout the passages at the back of the nose and mouth. When there is an obstruction to the flow of air, the soft tissue vibrates turbulently and produces the sound we have come to associate with snoring.
Snoring is quite common, but it can be life threatening if not treated properly. Often, snoring leads to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which increases the snorer’s risk of heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure among other diseases. Even “simple” snoring without sleep apnea can increase the chance of a premature death.
In children, snoring may cause bed-wetting, immune system suppression, insulin resistance, appetite problems, trouble with critical thinking, misaligned/discolored teeth, or ADD-like symptoms.
Snoring is caused and/or worsened by:
[if !supportLists]· [endif]Alcohol consumption before bed, which relaxes the muscles of the throat and makes obstruction more likely.
[if !supportLists]· [endif]Nasal congestion caused by a deviated septum or allergies, which further obstruct breathing.
[if !supportLists]· [endif]Obesity, which adds extra weight in the neck and throat that narrows the airway and makes it more difficult to breathe.
[if !supportLists]· [endif]Abnormal mouth anatomy: if you have a thickened or floppy soft palate, an elongated
uvula, enlarged tonsils, or a larger tongue base you are at a greater risk for airway blockage.
Is it best to have snoring evaluated and treated whenever possible. If you suffer from abnormal mouth anatomy, Marvel Clinic can help! We offer two different procedures that eliminate snoring and obstructive sleep apnea to help improve breathing in a quick, painless fashion.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, give us a call at 931-455-2005.
