What is Snoring?

Snoring is a very common problem: 45% of adults snore occasionally, while 25% of adults snore nightly. People often poke fun at those who snore, but snoring is no laughing matter. Although snoring alone typically does not cause any significant medical problems, it may lead to poor sleep, daytime tiredness, embarrassment and strained relationships.

Snoring may also be a symptom of sleep apnea, a much more serious and potentially life-threatening sleep disorder that affects over 12 million Americans. If left untreated, sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure and other cardiovascular disease, memory problems, weight gain, impotency and headaches. If you have a snoring problem, it is extremely important to see a sleep disorder specialist for a proper diagnosis.

Snoring sounds are caused when there is an obstruction to the free flow of air through the nasal cavity and back of the throat. People who snore may suffer from poor muscle tone in the tongue and throat, excessive bulkiness of throat tissue, a long uvula or obstructed nasal airways. Typically, the soft palate and uvula vibrate due to this obstruction and snoring results.

Children typically snore because of enlarged tonsils, which narrow the back of the throat, and enlarged adenoids, which obstruct the nasal breathing. Adults can also have enlarged tonsil tissue that causes snoring, but adults more commonly have redundant tissues of the soft palate and uvula that cause snoring. Snoring is often aggravated by nasal obstruction or sinus congestion.

Tired of losing sleep because you’re snoring? We can help! At Snoring Austin, a division of Capital Otolaryngology, our physicians can diagnose the cause of your snoring and recommend the optimal treatment for you. Call our office in Austin, Texas today at (512) 339-4040 or request an appointment online.