What Types of Doctors Treat Snoring?

What specific types of doctors treat snoring? A lot of people experience a change in their breathing patterns while they sleep. While some people breathe more heavily, others make a whistling sound in their sleep. On the other hand, many people also snore loudly every night. The latter does not only bother other people in the house but the person themselves as well.

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Not to mention, snoring can also often be a sign of a much more serious condition. While it does not always mean that you have a medical condition, snoring can often indicate conditions like sleep apnea.

This sleep disorder is characterized by staggered sleep patterns involving disturbed breathing and loud snoring. You can identify sleep apnea through your snoring patterns as well. It involves loud snoring and multiple pauses between breaths that last for more than 10 seconds.

If you think you suffer from sleep apnea, it’s time to check in with an ENT specialist.

What Conditions Cause Snoring?

It can be hard to identify the causes behind why a person snores regularly. Some common reasons include:

• Irregularly-shaped facial bones
• Swollen tonsils and adenoids
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Usage of antihistamines or sleeping pills
• Enlarged tongue
• Nasal congestion
• Obesity
• Swollen or enlarged uvula and soft palate
• Later stages in pregnancy

Snoring does not pose any serious health risks unless it is associated with sleep disorders or medical conditions like sleep apnea. Nevertheless, you should still get it checked by a medical professional.

Doctors that Diagnose and Treat Snoring

A lot of people have raised concerns regarding their snoring problems. Read on to find out what doctors can help you identify the causes and risks and lead to a solution. The doctors usually ask questions about the symptoms, check your medical history, and perform a physical exam.

Neurologist

Excessive snoring is usually associated with conditions like sleep apnea. This condition by itself can be a result of numerous factors, including neurological conditions. According to the Neurology Clinical practice, sleep apnea can sometimes be the result of:

• Stroke
• Alzheimer’s disease and other neurogenerative disorders

Therefore, a neurologist may be able to identify the reasons behind your snoring problems.

Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists are doctors that specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of psychological and mental health disorders. These may include depression, anxiety, and others.

According to one study conducted in the year 2015, mental health conditions like PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and MDD (Major Depressive Disorder) can cause obstructive sleep apnea. In fact, the sleep disorder also shares similar symptoms, including:

• Low energy levels
• Constant fatigue
• Poor focus and concentration

Pulmonologist

Some respiratory conditions like asthma narrowed airways, and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) can cause sleep apnea. A pulmonologist is a doctor that studies and treats conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory system.

If a respiratory medical condition is the cause of your snoring problems, a pulmonologist can treat it through treatment of the disease.

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Otolaryngologist

Otolaryngologists are ENT specialists, suggesting that they diagnose and treat health conditions relating to the ears, nose, and throat. ENTs can help determine the reason why a person snores loudly on a regular basis. Loud and frequent snoring is the most common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea.

Your ENT specialist will look for and use their expertise to treat:

• Enlarged or swollen uvula or soft palate
• Upper respiratory infection
• Septum and nose deformities
• Obstructed nasal passageways
• Allergies
• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids

An ENT doctor can use different treatment methods, including surgery and medical devices, to treat obstructive sleep apnea.

What Types of Doctors Treat Snoring? Conclusion

Snoring is a common problem that affects many around the world. Oftentimes, it may be associated with medical conditions like sleep apnea. If you think you’re suffering from a sleep disorder, it is best to see an otolaryngologist.

If you are looking for an experienced ENT in NYC, visit Dr. Michael C. Burnett, at Ear, Nose & Throat of New York. Call today to book an appointment