How your ENT specialists in Hagerstown and Frederick can help
Loud snoring can be more than just annoying; it can be a sign of a serious sleep condition known as sleep apnea. If you do have sleep apnea, the condition can shorten your life, which is why it’s so important to visit your ear, nose and throat specialists if you have loud, chronic snoring. Your ENT specialists at Central ENT Consultants want to help. They have offices in Hagerstown and Frederick, MD, to serve your needs.
If you snore, you’re not alone. In fact, 37 million Americans snore on a regular basis, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Estimates from the foundation state that about 50% of people who snore loudly actually have sleep apnea.
In addition to loud snoring, you may notice additional signs of symptoms of sleep apnea which include:
- Headaches in the morning
- Sleepiness and fatigue during the day
- Waking up suddenly with a choking, gasping feeling
- Waking up with a sore throat
What happens when you have sleep apnea is that the soft tissue at the back of your throat relaxes, blocking your airway. When your airway is blocked, oxygen to your brain and vital organs is diminished or cut off completely. Your brain and organs don’t function at full capacity, leading to the possibility of:
- Stroke
- Heart failure
- Memory problems
- Impaired physical and mental function
There are some home remedies to lessen sleep apnea. You can try to:
- Avoid taking sedatives before bed
- Avoid drinking alcohol before bed
- Take a nasal decongestant
- Try sleeping on your side
- Give up smoking
When you visit your ENT specialists at Central ENT Consultants, they may fit you with a Continuous Positive Air Pressure machine, also called a CPAP. The machine contains a nosepiece which fits comfortably over your mouth and nose, providing a continuous flow of oxygen while you sleep.
You don’t have to let loud snoring or sleep apnea control your life. Take control of your sleep and call your ENT specialists at Central ENT Consultants in Hagerstown and Frederick, MD. Call today and sleep well!