Snoring is a very common issue, with some estimates positing that nearly half of adults snore at least occasionally. This can be annoying and cause disturbances to healthy sleep for both snorers and their sleep partners. Snoring can be a symptom of a number of different problems, but a skilled ENT doctor can often help to alleviate the issue. Here are some of the key things to know about the causes of snoring and how Dr. Mourad can help.
What are some causes of snoring?
Snoring is the audible result of turbulent airflow which occurs due to narrowing in any part of the airway from the nose to the lungs. This narrowing can be related to a number of different factors. It can be caused by deviated nasal septum, nasal valve collapse, collapse of the tongue, or muscle relaxation and collapse of the throat muscles.
How does a nasal valve collapse contribute to snoring?
Nasal valve collapse is the result of narrowing or weakening of the cartilages in the nose. As you sleep, air passing through the nasal valve region results in turbulent airflow that manifests as snoring.
What are other symptoms of a nasal valve collapse?
Nasal valve collapse is a condition where the narrowest part of the nasal airway becomes weakened or narrowed, causing breathing difficulties. Besides the primary symptom of nasal obstruction or difficulty breathing through the nose, other symptoms include:
Headaches or Facial Pain: Chronic nasal obstruction can sometimes lead to headaches or facial pressure due to reduced airflow and sinus issues.
Nasal Congestion: A persistent feeling of stuffiness or congestion that doesn’t improve with typical treatments like decongestants or nasal sprays.
Mouth Breathing: Difficulty breathing through the nose often forces individuals to breathe through their mouth, especially during exercise or sleep.
Nasal Whistling: A whistling sound when breathing through the nose, especially during deep inhalation, can indicate a nasal valve collapse.
Reduced Sense of Smell (Hyposmia): Difficulty in airflow through the nose can reduce the sense of smell due to less air reaching the olfactory receptors.
Nasal Fatigue or Weakness: A sensation of nasal passages collapsing inward when inhaling deeply, causing a feeling of nasal fatigue.
Worsening Symptoms During Exercise: Increased breathing effort, especially during physical activities, can make the collapse more pronounced, causing further discomfort and breathing difficulty.
Will repairing a nasal valve collapse stop snoring?
Snoring can be caused by a variety of factors, including nasal obstruction, throat anatomy, and sleep disorders like sleep apnea. Nasal valve collapse is one potential contributor, but it is crucial to understand that snoring is usually multifactorial, meaning several elements may be at play simultaneously. Therefore, before considering any surgical procedures, it’s essential to undergo a comprehensive evaluation, including a sleep study, to accurately diagnose the root cause of your snoring.
Dr. Mourad offers a convenient at-home sleep study option, which allows for the assessment of your sleep patterns in the comfort of your own home, eliminating the need for an overnight stay at a sleep center. This sleep study can help rule out conditions like obstructive sleep apnea, a serious disorder that not only causes snoring but also leads to other health complications, such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
Once you’ve completed a sleep study, the next step is a detailed examination to pinpoint the specific cause of your snoring. This typically involves an endoscopy—a procedure in which a thin, flexible camera is inserted into your nasal passages and throat to provide a clear view of the airway structures. This thorough evaluation allows your ENT specialist to assess the entire airway, including the nasal passages, septum, turbinates, and throat.
If nasal valve collapse is identified as the primary cause of your snoring, then nasal valve surgery, also known as a nasal valve repair, can significantly improve airflow and reduce snoring. This procedure involves reinforcing or reconstructing the nasal valve to prevent it from collapsing inward during breathing, thereby enhancing nasal airflow and reducing the vibrations that cause snoring.
However, it’s important to remember that addressing only the nasal valve may not completely eliminate snoring if there are additional factors contributing to the problem. For instance, enlarged tonsils, a deviated septum, or soft palate issues may also need to be treated to achieve optimal results. Your ENT specialist will guide you through a personalized treatment plan based on your unique anatomy and the findings from your evaluation and sleep study.
In summary, repairing a nasal valve collapse can be an effective solution if it is identified as the primary cause of snoring, but a comprehensive approach is necessary to address all potential contributing factors. Consulting with an experienced ENT specialist like Dr. Mourad will ensure that you receive an accurate diagnosis and the most effective treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Can Dr. Mourad repair a nasal valve collapse?
Dr. Mourad is an expert in all aesthetic and functional nasal surgeries, including nasal valve surgery. This is one of the most common procedures that is performed by Dr. Mourad. He is able to offer different procedures including open and closed repair, as well as any other associated procedures that may be needed, such as septoplasty.
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