FAQs About Snoring

Whether you are a person who snores or someone who lives with a person who snores, this is one of the most challenging problems to manage on your own. At Southern Crescent ENT, Dr. Michael Avidano and Dr. Blanca Durand offer treatments for snoring at our Stockbridge, GA, and Fayetteville, GA, locations. Here are some of the most common questions our patients ask about the condition.

Why Do People Snore?

The sound when you snore is caused by the air moving through your nose and throat. People who snore have a narrowing of their breathing passages, and the air movement causes the soft tissues to vibrate. This is the noise that occurs when a person snores.

How Can a Person Snore Less?

There are some steps that you can take to snore less, but we also recommend that you schedule an appointment for your snoring at our Stockbridge, GA, office.

• Maintain a healthy weight because being overweight closes your airway when you sleep
• Use products that keep the airway in your nose open, such as nasal strips and decongestants
• Avoid alcohol before bed
• Stop smoking
• Check with your primary care physician to see if your medications cause you to snore
• Get to bed earlier
• Use a mouthguard that keeps the back of your throat open

Does a Person Who Snores Need Surgery?

If you have obstructive sleep apnea or a deviated septum, surgery may help you snore less. The procedure removes any anatomical blockages from your airway. You may also find that you sleep better and feel more rested.

What is the Best Way to Sleep If I Snore?

Find a position in which your airway is open and clear. For most people, sleeping on their sides helps them snore less. Elevating your head may also help you snore less. Make sure that your chin does not touch your neck when you sleep. This narrows the airway.

How Serious is It When Someone Snores?

The noise that is made when someone snores is most often a nuisance, but there are times when it indicates a more serious medical condition. Obstructive sleep apnea not only causes a person to snore, but it also reduces the intake of oxygen. Many people with this condition stop breathing during the night, and they may be startled awake. If you snore on a chronic basis, we recommend that you be evaluated for obstructive sleep apnea.

Call Southern Crescent ENT today at (770) 474-7416 to schedule an appointment for snoring at our Stockbridge, GA, location. You can also schedule an appointment with Dr. Avidano or Dr. Durand at our Fayetteville, GA, location by calling us at (678) 817-4390.