Snoring Basics

Snoring can effect anyone but it becomes more common with age and those who are overweight. If you snore here and there, it is not serious and only treated as an annoyance. If you are a chronic snorer, you are hindering both your own sleep quality and the sleep of those around you. If you are a consistent snorer, you may need medical assistance to help you (and others!) get quality sleep.

Why do I snore?

When the air coming through your nose and mouth is hindered, several things may be occurring. It is possible that you have an obstructed nasal airway. If you have seasonal allergies, you may find that you snore more at those times of year. If you have a nose deformity like a deviated septum or nasal polyps, snoring will result.

If you have ineffective muscle tone in the tongue or throat, these structures may collapse and droop into the airway. Aging, alcohol, relaxation or sleep pills can all contribute to lack of muscle tone.

For those with bulky throat tissue, snoring will likely be a problem. If you are overweight or obese you could be dealing with larger than normal throat tissue. In addition, children with enlarged tonsils often snore.

If you have a long soft palate (the tissue that dangles in the back of the mouth) your airway may be impeded. As the structures in your throat vibrate against each other your airway may become obstructed.

Why is snoring a health risk?

If you are a chronic snorer, this could be evidence of a larger health issue, such as obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can interrupt quality sleep, put strain on the heart muscle, interrupt your breathing, or consistently wake you from your sleep.

Arrange your consultation

If you are a habitual snorer and it is interrupting your sleep, call Texas Sinus & Snoring today. You can speak with our team by calling our office located in Spring, Texas at 346-413-9313. We look forward to helping you.