Snoring
Snoring occurs when air flows past relaxed tissues in the throat, causing the tissues to vibrate. This creates the hoarse or harsh sounds of snoring. A variety of factors can lead to snoring, such as mouth anatomy and obstructed nasal airways.
The most serious form of snoring is known as obstructive sleep apnea, when loud snoring is interrupted by frequent episodes of totally obstructed breathing.
In children, snoring can be a sign of issues with the child’s adenoids, tonsils or other anatomical issues. Surgical procedures such as adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy may be necessary to restore the child’s health. An otolaryngologist at Mid-Kansas Ear, Nose & Throat can examine a child for these conditions and design a custom treatment plan.
If you snore:
- Adopt an athletic lifestyle and exercise daily to develop good muscle tone and lose weight.
- Avoid tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and antihistamines before bedtime.
- Avoid alcohol beverages within 4 hours of sleep.
- Avoid heavy meals within 3 hours of sleep
- Avoid getting overtired by establishing regular sleeping patterns.
- Sleep on your side rather than your back.
- Elevate head when sleeping.
What will happen at my visit to Mid-Kansas Ear, Nose & Throat?
Physicians will give a heavy snorer a thorough evaluation of the nose, mouth, palate, throat and neck. Treatments will depend on the diagnosis, but could include surgery to expand the air passages or remove excess tissue, sleeping with a nasal mask or an oral appliance, managing a nasal allergy or infection or surgically removing tonsils and adenoids.
Call Mid-Kansas Ear, Nose & Throat Associates at 316-684-2838 for more information or to schedule an appointment.