Do you find yourself tossing and turning, struggling to get a good night’s sleep? Are you drowsy, grouchy, and poorly focused during the daytime? You’re not alone. Sleep disorders can impact your daily life more than you may realize. One of the most common culprits is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Alongside OSA, chronic sinus issues and snoring can ruin your sleep quality.
Here is more information on these problems.
What Is Snoring?
Snoring occurs when airflow through the mouth, throat, and nose is partially blocked as a person sleeps. This obstruction causes the surrounding tissues to vibrate, producing that familiar and sometimes frustrating sound.
While occasional snoring is common and usually harmless, chronic snoring may be related to more serious health issues. If this sounds like you or someone you love, you may need a professional medical evaluation.
What Makes a Person Snore?
Snoring can stem from several factors, including the following.
Nasal Congestion
Sinus infections (sinusitis), allergies (rhinitis) or a deviated septum between the nostrils in the nose can block nasal passages. Nasal or sinus polyps–small, benign growths–also may contribute to chronic congestion. Both lead to ongoing snoring as an individual sleeps at night.
Mouth Anatomy
A low, thick, soft palate can narrow a person’s airway. Overweight individuals may have extra tissue in the back of their throats, which can interfere with the free passage of air.
Sleep Position
Sleeping on your back can cause your relaxed tongue, covering the back of the throat. This narrows the airway and partially obstructs airflow.
Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol relaxes throat muscles and decreases your natural defenses against airway obstruction.
Can Sinus Problems and Snoring Affect Your Sleep Quality?
Absolutely, your sinuses and snoring may affect your ability to achieve restful sleep on a consistent basis. Also, sinus problems and chronic snoring are associated with more serious health conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing as you sleep. This disorder can prevent you from falling asleep or staying asleep and can cause loud, harsh snoring.
Other symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Breathing cessation during sleep at night or even during short naps during the day
- Startling awake, gasping for breath
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty with concentration and memory
- Irritability
- Poor task performance
If left untreated, OSA increases the risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, and other chronic health issues.
How Can a Pulmonologist Help Me with My Sleep Quality?
To correctly diagnose the reasons for your sleep problems, a pulmonologist will do a complete medical evaluation. At Austin Pulmonary, our professional team takes sleep problems very seriously. Our board-certified specialists offer a meticulous approach to diagnosing and treating sleep disorders.
What Can I Expect During a Snoring Consultation?
An in-office evaluation at Austin Pulmonary will include some or all of the following.
Digital Imaging (X-rays and CT scans)
These tests allow your lung specialist to view your sinuses and/or lungs in detail.
Physical Examination
Using a lighted instrument, your doctor will examine your mouth, the back of your throat and sinuses.
Detailed Consultation
Your provider will discuss your symptoms in detail to determine the best course of action.
With findings in hand, your pulmonologist can tell you if your sinuses–or something else-cause your sleep problems. For some people, a simple course of antibiotics can clear up chronic sinusitis (sinus infections) and allow them to breathe freely as they sleep.
Others may need lifestyle changes–such as getting exercise and losing weight–or even surgical intervention to resolve snoring issues. Also, a common and effective treatment is the use of a CPAP machine at night.
CPAP means Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. A bedside apparatus delivers a steady stream of air to keep the individual’s airway open during the night.
Treatment for Sleep Disorders in Austin, TX
Sleep is essential for your mental, emotional and physical well-being. If you’re waking up feeling exhausted or someone tells you that you snore loudly, seek the advice of a qualified pulmonologist at Austin Pulmonary.
Our team will guide you through every step of the diagnosis and treatment process, ensuring you receive the best care possible. Don’t let sinus problems or snoring affect your quality of life any longer. Take action!
For your convenience, we have several locations in Austin, Texas. So, call the office nearest you to schedule a consultation or use our Request an Appointment form.
You can breathe easier and sleep better. Let us help. We look forward to hearing from you.
