Helping our patients regain vitality with options for treating snoring in Vernon Hills

Snoring is a symptom everyone is familiar with, even if they are not the ones with a snoring problem. Some of us snore occasionally, perhaps due to a cold or allergies. Others, however, snore on a regular basis. What typically happens is that the person who does the snoring continues to sleep while his or her bed partner is disturbed by the noise. In the past, snoring was viewed as an irritation. Today, we know that snoring can have serious effects on health. Many people are actually in a situation where they need to find options for treating snoring. In our Vernon Hills office, we provide treatment by first determining the severity of the problem.

Symptom or condition?

Most people who snore are aware of the habit. What people may not fully understand is why they snore. Snoring sounds are the result of vibration as air passes over the soft tissues of the oropharynx and throat. This vibration occurs due to restriction in the airway. Because air continues to move, this type of snoring is an issue on its own. There are situations, however, when snoring may be a symptom of a more concerning condition, obstructive sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea may be mistaken for snoring because people with this condition do snore loudly. The difference lies in what is called apneic episodes, during which the movement of air completely stops. With no air passing through the airway, the level of oxygen in the blood quickly drops, causing the brain to panic. In response to the lack of oxygen, the brain commands the release of adrenaline into the blood, causing an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. This systemic response will rouse sleep but often does not cause the sleeper to wake. This sounds like momentary silence followed by gasping or choking, and then more snoring. Alarmingly, several hundred of these episodes can occur in a single night.

The importance of recognition

There are several risks associated with sleep apnea, and significant reasons to seek treatment. The sleep deprivation that comes with sleep apnea can dramatically affect not only a person’s physical health but also his or her emotional and mental health. The deprivation of oxygen in an apneic episode taxes the organs and increases the risk of many medical conditions.

The good news is that there are treatment options for snoring and sleep apnea that work. Your dentist has solutions that have been proven effective and comfortable. To learn more about the treatment offered at SmileMoreToday, contact us in Vernon Hills or Chicago.