Snoring

Snoring is a common problem, but it can be a sign of a serious breathing or sleep disorder. Snoring is also indicative of poor quality sleep, which can have a negative impact on overall quality of life. At Houston Advanced Nose & Sinus, Dr. Arjuna Kuperan is a Board Certified Otolaryngologist (ENT) and Rhinologist with the skill and experience to help people get relief from snoring.

WHAT IS SNORING?

Simply put, snoring is loud breathing during sleep. What you are hearing when someone snores is air trying to get through an obstructed area. There are many different structures involved in breathing and if the sinuses, throat, or surrounding soft tissues are inflamed or irregular, it causes friction that makes the sound of snoring.

TREATMENTS FOR SNORING

Septoplasty

Typically Recommended if the Underlying Cause of Snoring is: Deviated septum

The septum is the wall of bone and cartilage that runs down the middle of your nose, separating the two nasal cavities. If the septum deviates from the center (if it is crooked) it can cause nasal obstruction that can lead to snoring. Septoplasty is a surgery to correct a deviated septum.
Learn more about septoplasty

Breatheplasty™ turbinate reduction

Typically Recommended if the Underlying Cause of Snoring is: Inferior turbinate hypertrophy

Turbinates are part of the sinus structure and they work to filter the air when we breathe. If they become enlarged, it can cause chronic sinus issues and snoring. Breatheplasty is a specialized turbinate reduction procedure that Dr. Kuperan developed to minimize the complications of traditional turbinate reduction surgery.
Learn more about Breatheplasty

Balloon sinuplasty

Typically Recommended if the Underlying Cause of Snoring is: Chronic rhinitis or chronic sinusitis

Rhinitis, which is inflammation of the nasal passages, and sinusitis, which is inflammation of the sinus cavities, both commonly occur due to colds or viruses. Both conditions can cause or exacerbate snoring. When people suffer from frequent inflammation and sinus infections that don’t resolve on their own, a non-surgical, in-office balloon sinuplasty can provide relief.
Learn more about balloon sinuplasty

Endoscopic sinus surgery

Typically Recommended if the Underlying Cause of Snoring is: Nasal polyps, chronic rhinitis, or Allergic fungal sinusitis

Nasal polyps are growths in the nasal passages and sinuses. These non-cancerous growths can become large enough to obstruct breathing and cause congestion and snoring. Allergic fungal sinusitis is a specific type of sinusitis often linked with nasal polyps. Dr. Kuperan specializes in endoscopic sinus surgery that can treat both of these conditions and alleviate a range of sinus symptoms to improve quality of sleep.
Learn more about endoscopic sinus surgery

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SNORING

How do I know if I snore?

In most cases, people learn that they snore because they are told by their spouse or someone with whom they share a bedroom. Even if you sleep alone you may suspect that you snore because you feel that you are not getting quality sleep. If you frequently experience daytime sleepiness, you may want to record yourself sleeping to see if you snore.

Is snoring always a sign of a medical problem?

Light or occasional snoring is normal in healthy people. However, frequent loud snoring is usually a sign that there is an underlying medical issue. It is important to get treatment for snoring because long-term chronic snoring can increase your risk of serious health problems like stroke or heart attack.²

I am scared of medical treatment, are there any natural ways to stop snoring?

It is normal to feel nervous about getting medical treatment, but it is important to take care of your health. Depending on the cause of your snoring you may be able to treat it with lifestyle changes like weight loss, giving up alcohol, or changing your sleep position and bedtime routine. A consultation with Dr. Kuperan will give you the knowledge you need to decide what types of changes or treatments will work best for you.

How do I know which snoring treatment is right for me?

Dr. Kuperan will perform a thorough examination and he will also review your medical history and talk to you about your symptoms and sleep habits. Once he has determined the cause of your snoring, he will explain your options and create a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs.