What can my doctor do to help with my snoring?

Once you bring the problem of your snoring to your doctor’s attention, he or she will be able to ask you specific questions and perform exams that give more information on the problem. Your doctor will probably pay very close attention to your neck, throat, and mouth and will ask questions like these (which the person who sleeps with you may have to help you answer):

 

·        Is the snoring loud?

·        Which positions does it occur most in?

·        Do you ever wake up because of your snoring?

·        How persistent is the problem?

·        Does it happen every night?

·        Do you ever stop breathing while you are snoring?

·        Do you experience fatigue during the day, headaches in the morning, forgetfulness, or insomnia?

 

Depending on how severe the snoring problem is, the doctor may just recommend at-home remedies like weight loss and the use of nose-strips. However, if the case seems to be extreme, he may refer you to a specialist for a sleep study. In any case, the other options available that a doctor can supply for you include:

·        Mouthpieces custom-designed by your dentist that will keep your tongue in place and pull your lower jaw forward.

·        Palatoplasy, which stiffens the palate by injections or surgery and reduces the vibration of the throat tissues.

·        A CPAP (Continuous Positive Airways Pressure) mask, a machine that blows air through your nose while you are sleeping.

·        Radiofrequency Tissue Reduction, which pierces the tongue or another part of the mouth and shrinks the inner tissues.

·        Hypnosis or another alternative approach, though not all proven, often endorsed by people an excellent solution.

·        Surgery to correct a problem like a deviated septum.