The Role of ENT Specialists in Treating Snoring

What Kind of Doctor Treats Snoring?

Snoring is very common, affecting millions worldwide and about 15 million in the UK alone. Sometimes, snoring is a minor issue, but persistent or loud snoring could indicate underlying health issues. It is worth seeing an expert to diagnose and address your snoring if you have concerns, but what kind of expert? If you have a problem with snoring, should you see your GP or seek help from an ENT specialist? Do ENT doctors treat snoring? The answer is yes, and ear, nose, and throat doctors are particularly adept at treating the issues that contribute to snoring.

What is Snoring?

Snoring is a harsh sound that results from partially obstructed airflow through the mouth and nose during sleep. As a person falls asleep, moving from light to deep sleep, the muscles in the mouth, tongue, and throat become relaxed. Sometimes, they relax enough to partially block the airflow, and this makes the tissues in the throat vibrate and cause the snoring sound. Snoring can be the result of something as simple as sleeping on your back, or it can happen because of excess weight, enlarged tonsils, or nasal congestion. Often, alcohol and other sedatives can cause a person to snore. The more the airway is narrowed, the louder the snoring.

When to Consult an ENT Specialist for Snoring Treatment

If solving your snoring problem is as easy as changing your sleeping position, you probably don’t need to see an ENT. However, persistent snoring may be a cause for concern. Snoring can be a symptom of a serious condition, like sleep apnea. So, how do you know when to seek help? Consult an ENT if you have any of the following symptoms.

• Snoring that is Loud and Frequent: As a rule of thumb, snoring that wakes you or your partner warrants a consultation.
• Fatigue During the Day: If you are tired when you wake up, or excessively sleepy during the day, your snoring may be affecting your sleep quality.
• Choking or Gasping While You Sleep: These are both signs of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is a serious condition.
• Trouble with Nose Breathing: This could mean you have chronic nasal obstruction, which can make snoring worse.
• Sudden or Increased Snoring: If you are suddenly snoring when you never did before, or you are snoring significantly more than you used to, see an ENT specialist.
• Additional Symptoms with Snoring: Seek medical attention if you have symptoms like nasal discharge, earaches, jaw pain, teeth pain, sore throat, fever, trouble swallowing, pain when swallowing, and neck pain.

How ENT Specialists Diagnose Snoring

It is important to understand the root cause because snoring often indicates an underlying condition. To do this, physicians begin with a comprehensive evaluation, including a physical examination and a comprehensive review of medical history and current medications. Depending on the findings of this evaluation, various tests may be recommended, like MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays, to see if there are any obstructions or other issues in the airway. If sleep apnea is suspected, the ENT specialist may recommend a sleep study. Typically conducted in a sleep clinic, this test monitors the body while the person is asleep, to determine if any sleep disorders are present.

Treatment Options for Snoring

ENT specialists know how to treat snoring in several different ways. Sometimes, lifestyle changes are recommended, like weight loss, stopping smoking or drinking, or changing sleep positions or pillows. There are also custom-fitted appliances, designed to keep the airway open, to help prevent snoring. A CPAP is another option, a machine that reduces snoring by treating sleep apnea. There is also surgical treatment for snoring, to remedy an obstruction in the airway. There is even laser treatment for snoring. An ENT can evaluate your snoring, and provide you with the most effective option.

How to Prevent Snoring

There are certain things you can do to prevent or lessen snoring. Losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight is the first step because people who are overweight have extra tissue that contributes to snoring. You can also sleep on your side, because sleeping on your back lets your tongue fall into your throat, blocking your airway. If you try to sleep on your side but keep rolling onto your back, you could sew a tennis ball into the back of your pajama top, to prevent this. Don’t drink alcoholic beverages for at least two hours before you sleep, and limit alcohol and sedatives in general. Don’t smoke, and if you are already a smoker, quit. It can also be helpful to raise the head of your bed by about four inches. Finally, try to get at least seven hours of sleep each night.

Benefits of Seeing an ENT Specialist for Snoring

If you try lifestyle changes and adjustments like the ones listed above, and your snoring is still severe, seeing an ENT specialist may be the solution for you. An ENT can determine not only the cause of your snoring but also the best treatment option. Because ear nose and throat specialists have many more treatments available than you can find on your own, it is worthwhile to schedule a consultation.

See the ENT Specialists at Oasis ENT for Snoring Treatment

When you are looking for snoring treatment in the Surprise, Arizona area, you will find an effective, patient-centered practice at Oasis Ear, Nose, & Throat. At Oasis ENT, we are committed to helping our patients overcome a variety of sinus problems, including snoring. We embrace emerging, yet proven perspectives, patient-focused therapies, and advanced technology, to address sinus problems and allergies. Our highly skilled team has the knowledge and experience to identify the most suitable solution for each patient, and our goal is to help patients by addressing their sinus issues through personalized care. We also want our patients to understand that there are treatments for their conditions, and they don’t have to settle for less. Contact us to schedule an appointment, or to learn how our boutique healthcare approach is designed to support patient-centered care and help improve symptoms for many individuals. Results vary based on individual health needs.

*The information provided in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

Results may vary: Treatment outcomes and health experiences may differ based on individual medical history, condition severity, and response to care.

Emergency Notice: If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.