Snoring- A Sign of Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Snoring: A sign of Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Not all snorers have sleep apnea, but snoring can be an indicator of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the condition in which there is  insufficient oxygen flow to the lungs when sleeping. Many times this can be cause by an obstruction of the air flow into the lungs, frequently caused by enlarged tonsils or a tongue that blocks the air passage in the throat.  This can lead to the sounds we regard as snoring.  But more importantly, the snoring can indicate the obstruction is causing a lack of oxygen flow to the lungs. 

Many patients are unaware of snoring.  But if you have any of the following signs, you may indeed have OSA.  Do you have puffy, tired eyes? Do you wake up with a sore throat?  Do you feel sleepy during the day?  Have you ever been told you gasp for breath, or pause and stop breathing during the night?  Do you fall asleep while sitting, reading, watching TV or worse, driving?  These are all indicators of OSA and warrant an evaluation to determine the severity of your apnea. Typically, this is done through a sleep study at a hospital or clinic.

Treatments include surgery, CPAP-continuous positive air pressure via a mask tethered to an oxygen tank, or oral appliances.  Some of the more severe cases may preclude oral appliances, but for many, oral appliances are a comfortable way to breath easier.  Spouses agree!