If you are suffering from extreme snoring or hoarseness of the throat, read on to learn more about these. conditions and treatment options. ENT specialists treat conditions of the throat and are often consulted by patients to alleviate the often painful symptoms of these conditions.
What is Snoring?
Snoring is the hoarse and harsh sound that’s produced when air flows past your throat’s relaxed tissue and causes them to vibrate. The vibration produces a sound as you breathe, resulting in a snoring sound. Snoring is relatively common nowadays, but for some people, it may indicate a serious health condition. Not only can it prove to be a chronic problem, but it can also be annoying for your partner.
Most doctors associate snoring with a sleep disorder known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Below are a few symptoms that could alert you about the seriousness of the complication.
- Excessive sleeping (especially at daytime)
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Headaches when you wake up
- Sore throat
- Difficulty sleeping
- High blood pressure
OSA is identified as loud snoring, a sound that occurs when you breathe in your sleep. Some of the cases may cause breathing to stop, which ultimately wakes you up. Oftentimes, patients suffering from OSA may wake up gasping for air. These patients regularly face such issues, causing them to wake up, up to five times per night.
There are numerous factors that increase your chances of developing OSA or becoming a snorer. We have laid down a few factors for you:
- Being Overweight: If you are obese or very overweight, you are more likely to develop OSA and snoring problems.
- Narrow Airway: Some people may not have a big enough air passage to prevent snoring. Meanwhile, others may have large tonsils, which narrow down the airway, resulting in snoring.
- Drinking Alcohol: Drinking alcoholic beverages may cause your throat tissues to relax, increasing your risk of snoring.
- Family History: In numerous cases, one of the significant factors is heredity.
Looking at the severity of your issue, your doctor may suggest a few ways to overcome snoring; they include:
- Oral Care
- Airway Surgery
- CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
During the treatment, your doctor may ask you to avoid certain things such as avoiding alcohol and losing weight
What is Hoarseness?
Hoarseness is a condition that makes your voice croaky and increases your pitch. In the majority of cases, hoarseness is not directly linked to any major issue and can be treated with the help of speech therapy. However, if the case is severe, professional care is necessary.
What Causes Hoarseness?
There are numerous causes of hoarseness, but it is often related to laryngitis. This happens when your vocals swell from an allergy or a respiratory infection. Issues of hoarseness issues can be the result of smoking as well.
Often, these cases arise from speaking too loud, shouting, or singing in a high-pitched voice. Moreover, as the person gets older, their voice gets raspier as vocal cords get thin.
Treatments for Hoarseness
Your doctor may suggest a variety of treatments. They include:
- Speech Therapy
The treatment option may differ according to the patient needs and severity of the case
Extreme Snoring or Hoarseness of the Throat: Conclusion
Dr. Michael C. Burnett, principal doctor at Ear, Nose & Throat of New York, is one of the best ENT doctors in NYC that treats extreme snoring or hoarseness issues. If you are facing these problems, give us a call today to book an appointment.
EAR, NOSE & THROAT OF NEW YORK
115 East 57th Street
New York, NY 10022