Snoring is a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide. While occasional snoring may not be a cause for concern, chronic snoring can disrupt your sleep and lead to serious health issues. If you're struggling with snoring, seek help from an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist who can provide you with various treatment options to address the underlying causes of your snoring.

Here are some different treatments an ENT can offer for snoring.

Lifestyle Modifications

One of the first steps an ENT specialist may recommend is making lifestyle changes to help reduce or eliminate snoring. This may include losing weight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime, establishing a regular sleep routine, and sleeping on your side instead of your back. These simple changes can sometimes be enough to improve snoring symptoms.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy

For individuals with obstructive sleep apnea, a common cause of snoring, CPAP therapy can be highly effective. A CPAP machine delivers a continuous flow of air through a mask worn over the nose or mouth during sleep. This air pressure helps keep the airways open, preventing snoring and improving breathing patterns.

Oral Appliances

ENT specialists can also provide custom-made oral appliances to help treat snoring caused by structural issues in the mouth or throat. These devices are worn during sleep to reposition the jaw and tongue, keeping the airway open and reducing snoring.

Surgery

In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to address anatomical abnormalities contributing to snoring. ENT specialists can perform procedures such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), septoplasty, turbinate reduction, or tonsillectomy to correct issues like enlarged tonsils, deviated septum, or nasal polyps that are causing snoring.

Laser-Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP)

LAUP is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses laser energy to remove excess tissue in the throat that contributes to snoring. This outpatient procedure can help reduce airway obstruction and improve airflow during sleep, leading to reduced snoring.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

RFA is another minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in an ENT specialist's office to reduce tissue volume in the soft palate or tongue base. By using radiofrequency energy to shrink the tissues causing obstruction in the airway, RFA can effectively treat snoring and improve breathing.

If you're struggling with chronic snoring that is affecting your quality of life and sleep, consulting with an ENT specialist can help identify the underlying causes of your snoring and provide you with personalized treatment options tailored to your needs. By exploring these different treatments for snoring with the guidance of an experienced ENT professional, you can take steps toward achieving restful sleep and better overall health.

Contact a local ENT clinic like GNO Snoring & Sinus to learn more.