Snoring can disrupt sleep for everyone in the household. It can also be a sign of a more serious condition called sleep apnea. A snoring consultation may involve a physical exam, review of symptoms, X-rays or CT scans, and a sleep study in the lab or at home. Treatment options for snoring and sleep apnea include lifestyle changes, surgery, oral appliances or nasal dilators, and CPAP.
To diagnose snoring, doctors review a patient’s medical history and perform a physical exam. They may also recommend an instrument-based sleep study. In some cases, a drug-induced sleep endoscopy is performed for orientation purposes.
What is a snoring consultation?
Snoring is the sound of your tongue, mouth, throat or airways in your nose vibrating while you breathe during sleep. While it can seem harmless, persistent snoring is not good for your health. It can lead to fatigue and irritability during the day, as well as headaches and poor concentration. It may also be an indicator of a serious condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Most patients with snoring should be evaluated by an otolaryngologist for treatment. They can perform a home sleep study or perform snoreplasty to address the issue. They will also take into consideration your medical history and check for any preexisting conditions that may contribute to snoring.
During your consultation, they will determine if you are a simple snorer or have more serious issues such as sleep apnea. They will then recommend a treatment option that is best for you. The consultation can last up to 90 minutes. They will also ask you to bring in your previous records if possible.
What can I expect from a snoring consultation?
Loud, persistent snoring can be embarrassing for people who snore and can disrupt the quality of sleep for anyone sharing a sleeping space with the snorer. It may also be a sign of a more serious health condition, such as obstructive sleep apnea.
An ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist can help you find the cause of your snoring and develop a treatment plan that can lead to better sleep for you and your partner. Contact Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy to schedule your snoring consultation. We offer convenient locations throughout the region. We are currently welcoming new patients and accept most major PPO insurance and Medicare. Call us today or request an appointment online to discuss your snoring and sleep apnea concerns.
What is the cost of a snoring consultation?
Snoring can be annoying for your partner and disrupt their sleep, but it is also a sign of a serious medical condition called obstructive sleep apnea. This occurs when the throat muscles and tissues relax and narrow the airway during sleep, leading to a dramatic drop in oxygen levels in the blood. Long-term snoring can cause health problems including high blood pressure and heart disease.
Seeing an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist can help you find solutions to reduce snoring and get you and your partner back to restful sleep. During the consultation, an ENT specialist will perform a comprehensive examination to identify any factors contributing to your snoring.
If the snoring is severe, your doctor may recommend an at-home sleep study to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea. Depending on the diagnosis, your doctor can offer you noninvasive options such as nasal dilators or oral appliances to improve snoring. If you have had a home sleep study, bring it with you to your appointment so Dr. Sep can evaluate it during your records visit.
What is the purpose of a snoring consultation?
Snoring is a problem that affects individuals of all ages and genders. It can cause problems with a patient’s sleep quality, which in turn can lead to other health issues. Snoring can also indicate the presence of a serious condition known as obstructive sleep apnea, which can significantly affect a person’s quality of life.
Snoring can often be cured by simple lifestyle changes. These include losing weight, not smoking and avoiding alcohol before sleeping. In some cases, a doctor may recommend a home sleep study to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea.
During a snoring consultation, the doctor will take a detailed history and examine the mouth, nose and throat. They will look specifically for areas of obstruction or narrowing, such as a deviated septum, nasal valve collapse and turbinate enlargement. They will also check for allergies, sinusitis and other health conditions that can contribute to snoring. They will also evaluate whether a snoring problem is caused by medications.