The answer to better sleep could lie in treating your persistent snoring.

Does your partner complain that your snoring is out of control and it keeps them up at night? Are your snoring issues getting worse as you get older? Something could be an indicator that something more serious like sleep apnea is going on. Our Norwalk and New Canaan, CT, otolaryngologist Dr. Andrew Parker can help determine what’s causing your snoring and the best solution to give you a better (and quieter) night’s rest.

When Snoring is a Problem

While many people may snore occasionally due to alcohol consumption, allergies or a cold, if you are someone who snores loudly and quite frequently this could be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea. During OSA, the upper airways constrict or collapse, blocking off air as well as oxygen to the blood.

Those with OSA do not get the quality rest they need, which can lead to problems throughout the day. If OSA goes untreated this can also lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure.

Signs and Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

While the snorer often won’t notice any symptoms it’s usually their bed partner who alerts them to the issue that is going on. It’s important not to ignore these complaints, as they could be indicators that something more serious is going on with your health. Symptoms of OSA include,

• Loud, persistent snoring
• Daytime fatigue and exhaustion
• Waking up throughout the night gasping for air
• Pauses in breathing while asleep
• Morning headaches
• Dry mouth or sore throat
• Mood swings
• Brain fog and trouble concentrating
• Issues with high blood pressure

How an Otolaryngologist Can Help

Here in Norwalk CT, our ENT doctors are dedicated to helping you control your symptoms to get restorative sleep and to prevent certain serious and chronic health problems. First, we will go through your medical history and ask you questions regarding your symptoms.

We will also perform a full examination of the nose, mouth, neck and throat. We will also check for any problems such as a nasal obstruction or infection that could be causing your snoring. If we suspect that your snoring is due to OSA we may recommend undergoing a home sleep study to diagnose your sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is often treated with CPAP therapy, Pillar implants, or surgery in some cases.

If you or a loved one is a chronically loud snorer then it’s high time that you turned to ENT specialist Dr. Andrew Parker in Norwalk and New Canaan, CT, that can treat this issue properly. If you snore or think you may be dealing with sleep apnea, then it’s time to give us a call. Call (203) 866-8121.