Is your snoring keeping your loved one awake at night? Although it is normal from time to time, snoring could be a sign of a serious underlying issue, like sleep apnea. It is a disorder that causes your airways to become obstructed, leading to several pauses in breathing throughout the night. One of the most notable signs of the condition is loud, chronic snoring. To protect your health and to get a good night’s rest, you may need treatment for sleep apnea from Dr. Gary Wiesman, otolaryngologist in Chicago.
Why Do I Snore?
Snoring is common among adults. In fact, 45% do it occasionally; however, for some, it happens more frequently with 25% of adults snoring regularly. It occurs when the soft tissues in the back of your throat collapse, causing vibrations. Although snoring is not dangerous, if it is due to sleep apnea, there could be serious consequences to your health when it is not treated.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder that affects at least 22 million Americans. When the soft tissues in the throat collapse, it causes an obstruction in your airway. This can lead to frequent pauses in breathing – with each event lasting as long as one minute. The decreased oxygen places a strain on your body, increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease. Not to mention, your quality of life significantly declines.
There are several factors that can cause sleep apnea, like obesity or a large neck circumference. In some cases, it can result from excessive tissue in the throat that limits airflow. Other times, regularly inflamed or enlarged tonsils can narrow the air passages.
How Can I Treat Sleep Apnea?
To stop your snoring and to treat sleep apnea, noninvasive therapies are often recommended. An oral appliance is a common solution. It involves a custom-fit device that repositions your jaw to keep your airways open. As an alternative, a CPAP machine can also be used. It delivers a steady stream of air through a mask that is worn over the nose or the mouth to help you maintain your oxygen levels. While both can be effective treatments, they may not be enough. Instead, you may need a surgical approach.
If enlarged tonsils are the cause, a tonsillectomy may be needed to remove the tonsils to stop the issue completely. When there is excessive tissue in the throat, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) will surgically remove it. By widening the airway, it can reduce snoring and improve your quality of sleep.
Sleep Soundly Tonight!
You can stop snoring with the right treatment. Dr. Wiesman has successfully helped hundreds of people stop snoring and reclaim a “quiet” good night’s sleep.
About Dr. Gary G. Wiesman
Dr. Gary G. Wiesman specializes in ear, nose, and throat surgeries. With an in-depth knowledge of the structural physiology of the airways, he can improve your health and your quality of life by helping you breathe easier. If you need treatment for sleep apnea, do not wait. Contact Wiesman Nasal & Sinus today to schedule your consultation.
