Snoring
Snoring not only affects you but also your partner as well. Going through life’s daily routines while feeling tired and groggy can make every day feel like it’s dragging on. According to John Hopkins Medicine, 45% of American adults suffer from snoring. Dr. Akash Anand of GNO Snoring & Sinus is the only board-certified ENT with an exclusive focus on treating snoring and sinus disorders in Metro New Orleans. Learn how Dr. Anand and the GNO Snoring & Sinus team can help you find relief for your chronic snoring.
Types of Snoring (Palatal Snoring or Tongue Snoring)
Snoring happens when turbulent airflow moves past vibratory tissue, producing a characteristic sound that is unique to the tissue producing it. The most common source of snoring is the palatal region. This snore results from the uvula and soft palate vibrating against airflow. This sound is very rhythmic and can be easily reproduced during daytime hours. The base of the tongue can also contribute to snoring. This occurs when patients lay on their back and airflow rapidly moves past the base of the tongue. The snoring sound is produced when airflow “pulls” the tongue and causes it to vibrate against the back wall of the throat. Unlike palatal snoring, tongue snoring is not rhythmic. Rather, tongue snoring creates an aggressive sound that can give the impression of choking to an observer. Tongue snoring often precedes obstructive events, like those in sleep apnea. To help solve your chronic snoring, Dr. Anand can perform an examination to accurately diagnose your snoring type. Once you are given an accurate diagnosis, the proper treatment can be implemented to help you get back to sleeping peacefully and waking up feeling rested.
What Causes Snoring?
Depending on your situation, there could be many different causes for your snoring. Some common causes of snoring include:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
- Nasal Congestion
- Alcohol & drug use
- Large Tonsils / Uvula
- Weight Gain
- Sleeping on your back
- Allergies
- Smoking
Snoring Effects
Snoring can cause various medical issues, but the most common include:
- Restless sleep
- Headaches during the day
- Dry, sore throat in the morning
- Difficulty focusing
- Tiredness throughout the day
- Breathing paused during sleep
“My wife and I would sleep in separate rooms because my snoring was so loud at times. A friend recommended Dr. Anand and he performed an in-office uvuloplasty that decreased the volume of my snore. My wife and I no longer sleep in separate rooms.” –AS
New Patient Visits for Snoring
Initial visit
During your initial visit at GNO Snoring & Sinus, Dr. Anand can perform a flexible endoscopy to rule out other sources of snoring, such as large adenoids or tonsils. This painless and minor procedure can be performed quickly and takes no more than a few minutes.
Treatment
After you discuss the source of your snore with snoring expert Dr. Anand, he will discuss treatment options with you. Treatment options range from office-based procedures to snoring surgery, depending on your anatomic findings.
Snoring Treatments
GNO Snoring & Sinus offers the following in-office snoring treatments in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Inferior Turbinate Reduction
Reduces the size of the turbinates to improve nasal airflow and reduce open mouth breathing at night, thereby reducing the snoring sound.
Palatoplasty
Removes excess tissue from the soft palate to reduce the vibration of an elongated palate and reduce the snoring sound.
Pillar Procedure
Places implants into the soft palate tissue, which stiffens the palate over time, reducing the vibration of the palate and decreasing the sound of a snore.
Base of Tongue Reduction
Uvuloplasty
Snoring FAQ
How painful is the procedure?
Patients usually experience a mild sore throat after treatment. While not all patients utilize pain medications after the procedure, we do provide liquid pain medication to assist in the recovery period.
How soon should I notice the results?
You should notice results in the first few days. The scarring process occurs over the following 2-4 weeks as your tissue heals; therefore, continued improvement is expected during that period.
Will I be able to eat afterward?
Patients will be able to tolerate food after the local anesthesia wears off. We recommend avoiding anything salty or hot for the first 24 hours.
Will I need someone to drive me home after my procedure?
Patients undergoing in-office treatments typically do not require anyone to bring them home, as we do not use general anesthesia. All office procedures are performed with local anesthesia, similar to a dentist visit.
Will I require time off from work?
Patients undergoing in-office treatments can return to work the following day.
Symptom Quiz
Click all symptoms you experience and complete the short form below to learn more about the possible treatment options for your condition.
Contact the Snoring Specialists at GNO Snoring & Sinus
Dr. Anand has performed more than 6,000 sinus and sleep apnea procedures and is a leading authority in the treatment of sleep and sinus disorders for patients in the Greater New Orleans area. GNO Snoring & Sinus proudly accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance. Contact us today to request an appointment with Dr. Anand so he can help you get back to consistent, restful sleep.