If you’re sick of snoring, or would like to help loved ones that are keeping you awake at night, then nasal surgery for snoring might be the solution you have been looking for.
What causes snoring?
Snoring occurs when the muscles and tissue in the throat and roof of the mouth relax, causing the tongue to fall backwards and partially block the airway. This blockage causes the throat tissue to vibrate, leading to the snoring sound.
Several factors can lead to snoring, including:
- Weight
- Gender
- Alcohol consumption
- Sleep position
- Sleep deprivation
- Nasal problems
- Mouth anatomy
When it comes to nasal anatomy, a common contributing factor to snoring can be a deviated septum, as the obstruction can further block the airways and encourage breathing through the mouth.
Those with a severely deviated septum may suffer from restless sleep and sinus issues, and can be at risk of developing sleep apnea, a disorder that causes you to temporarily stop breathing throughout the night.
Treatment Options for Snoring
At their core, any snoring treatment aims to open up the airways to help reduce the snoring noise. If you have just noticed your snoring, there are a few simple things you can do at home to try and alleviate the issue, such as:
- Losing weight
- Sleeping on your side
- Avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bed
- Stopping smoking
If these do not seem to alleviate the problem, it is always recommended you seek the opinion of a GP or medical professional to determine what the cause of your snoring may be. Snoring can stem from a range of things and will differ from person to person, so it is essential to understand if it is caused by issues with the nasal, palate, or tongue regions, or a combination of both, before pursuing further treatment.
While there are plenty of devices and options on the market, if it is found that your nasal tissue or septum is causing the snoring, then surgery may be a viable long-term solution.
When Should I Consider Nasal Surgery for Snoring?
Depending on the specific issue, nose surgery for snoring can incorporate a range of procedures, including removing nasal polyps, inferior turbinate surgery, septoplasty, and adenoidectomy.
Septoplasty is a prevalent option, as realigning the deviated septum and removing excess tissue inside the nose can help open up the airways, reducing pressure downstream that otherwise generates snoring.
Will septoplasty fix snoring?
Depending on the severity and complexity of your issue, septoplasty alone may not completely solve the problem and will often be part of a multilevel solution that can facilitate the use of anti-snoring devices. With this in mind, everyone is different, and the best thing you can do is speak to a knowledgeable surgeon about your options.
How does a corrected deviated septum help sleep apnea?
When it comes to sleep apnea, the presence of a deviated septum can add further restrictions to the airways and nasal passage, making the problem worse. Fixing the septum can help free up some of this space, though the surgery will often need to be combined with other treatments to treat sleep apnea successfully.
Speak to an Expert
If you struggle with snoring, the best thing you can do is speak with a trusted surgeon, like Dr. Jacob Sedgh.
Dr. Sedgh has over two decades of experience as a facial surgeon working with patients to improve their quality of life and fulfill their functional and cosmetic goals.
If you’re ready to take back your sleep, book a consultation and discuss your treatment options with Dr. Sedgh today.
Posted on behalf of Sedgh Plastic Surgery
