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Snoring Treatment in Santa Monica & Torrance, CA
What Is Snoring?
Signs That I Am Snoring
Some people may not realize they snore unless a partner informs them. Common signs that you might be snoring include:
- Noise during sleep
- Waking up with a sore throat or dry mouth
- Gasping or choking during the night
- Restless sleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
What Causes Snoring?
Snoring is caused by various factors that block or narrow the airway, including:
- Chronic nasal congestion
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
- Being overweight
- Sleeping on your back
- Nasal or throat abnormalities
What are the Health Risks of Snoring?
While occasional snoring is generally harmless, habitual snoring can have significant health implications. Individuals who snore regularly may experience:
- Increased risk of high blood pressure
- Greater chance of heart disease and stroke
- Chronic fatigue due to disrupted sleep
- Mood swings and irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
The Relationship Between Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Snoring and sleep apnea are often related but are not the same. Snoring results from vibrations in the throat tissues, typically due to partial airway obstruction. Sleep apnea, on the other hand, involves complete airway blockage, causing repeated interruptions in breathing throughout the night. These interruptions can affect sleep quality and increase the risk of serious health issues. If snoring is accompanied by gasping or choking, it could indicate sleep apnea, a condition that requires medical intervention from a sleep apnea specialist.
How Can Snoring Be Treated?
We treat snoring in several ways, depending on its severity and cause. Treatment options include:
- Lifestyle Changes: Losing weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol before bed can reduce snoring.
- Sleeping Position: Sleeping on your side instead of your back may prevent throat tissues from blocking the airway.
- Nasal Treatments: Decongestants, nasal dilators, and nasal strips can improve airflow and reduce snoring.
When snoring interferes with normal breathing during sleep, nasal corticosteroid sprays may be prescribed to reduce inflammation in the nose and relieve congestion. Additional methods of the best snoring treatment in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Torrance may include:
- Corrective Mouthpieces
- Injection Snoreplasty
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
In severe cases, corrective surgery may be recommended to remove the excess tissue from the nose or throat and open upper air passages to facilitate breathing. Surgical treatment for snoring in Los Angeles may include:
- Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty
- Thermal Ablation Palatoplasty
- Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy
- Genioglossus and Hyoid Advancement
- Septoplasty and Turbinate (Conchae) Surgery