Tired of a Snorer? How a Visit to an ENT Can Help You Both
Sharing a bed with a snorer can leave you exhausted, frustrated, and searching for solutions. While snoring is common, it’s not something you have to learn to live with.
In many cases, snoring is caused by treatable issues affecting the nose, throat, or airway. At Jacksonville ENT Surgery, our team is expertly trained to diagnose and manage these problems.
Here’s how an ENT specialist can help both of you rest easier.
Why snoring happens
Snoring occurs when airflow is partially blocked during sleep, causing the tissues in the throat or nose to vibrate as a result.
While occasional snoring may be harmless, persistent or loud snoring can signal underlying problems such as:
- Nasal polyps
- Deviated nasal septum
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
- Poorly managed allergies
- Chronic sinusitis
These issues not only disrupt sleep for bed partners but can also impact the snorer’s overall health and daytime energy.
Diagnosing the problem
As ENT specialists, our team at Jacksonville ENT Surgery evaluates the entire airway — from the tip of the nose down to the throat — to determine exactly what is causing snoring.
This evaluation may include:
- A physical examination of the nose and throat
- Nasal endoscopy to look for structural blockages
- Evaluation of tonsils, adenoids, and soft palate
- Discussion of sleep habits and symptoms
- Sleep study, if necessary, to rule out sleep apnea
This comprehensive approach ensures that treatment is targeted, effective, and tailored to each individual's needs.
ENT treatments available for snoring
ENT treatment options range from simple lifestyle changes to minimally invasive procedures. Your strategy may include:
Medical treatments
You may benefit from a nasal steroid spray to reduce inflammation or improved allergy management with antihistamines or immunotherapy.
Our ENT specialists may also recommend CPAP therapy or a custom oral device worn during the night to prevent snoring caused by obstructive sleep apnea.
In-office procedures
Our team offers a range of nonsurgical procedures that utilize advanced technology to achieve excellent, long-term solutions for snoring. This can include:
- Turbinate reduction to improve airflow in the nose
- VivAer® treatment using radiofrequency ablation to reshape the nasal valve
- Tightening soft palate tissues with radiofrequency ablation
- Balloon sinuplasty for chronic sinus blockage
- Injection snoreplasty
These treatments are generally well-tolerated and offer long-term solutions with quick recovery and effective results.
Surgical options
For more complex airway issues, Dr. Green may recommend surgery, which can include:
- Tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy
- Septoplasty to correct a deviated septum
- Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) to remove excess throat tissue
Our team recommends surgical treatments when other options aren’t enough to reduce or eliminate snoring.
Ready for a better night’s sleep?
Snoring isn’t just a nightly nuisance; it can be a sign of treatable airway issues that an ENT specialist can identify and resolve.
If you (or your partner) are losing sleep, now is the perfect time to schedule an evaluation. A peaceful, restful night’s sleep may be closer than you think. Call Jacksonville ENT Surgery today or request an appointment online.
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