Snoring is more than just a nighttime nuisance—it can be a sign of underlying health issues and significantly impact your sleep quality and overall well-being. At Virginia ENT in Henrico, Prince George, Mechanicsville, North Chesterfield and Richmond, VA, our team includes experienced professionals, including an ENT specialist for snoring, who can help identify the root cause of the problem and offer lasting relief. Whether it’s a simple case of nasal congestion or a more complex condition like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), we provide comprehensive care tailored to your unique needs.
Why Do People Snore?
Snoring occurs when air flows past relaxed tissues in your throat, causing them to vibrate as you breathe. This vibration produces the familiar snoring sound. While occasional snoring isn’t usually cause for concern, chronic or loud snoring may indicate a more serious issue that calls for evaluation by an ENT specialist for snoring.
Common causes of snoring include:
- Nasal congestion or obstruction
- Deviated septum
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
- Obesity
- Alcohol consumption before bed
- Sleep position (especially sleeping on your back)
- Sleep apnea
When Should You See an ENT Specialist for Snoring?
If you or a loved one snores regularly—especially if it’s loud enough to disturb others or is accompanied by pauses in breathing, gasping, or daytime fatigue—it’s time to see an ENT specialist for snoring. These symptoms may indicate obstructive sleep apnea, a potentially serious condition that increases your risk for heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke.
At Virginia ENT, our board-certified team includes the right ENT specialist who can provide a thorough evaluation and recommend personalized treatment.
How ENT Specialists Diagnose Snoring Problems
Accurate diagnosis lays the foundation for successful treatment. Here’s what to expect when you visit an ENT specialist for snoring:
Comprehensive Medical History and Symptom Review
The ENT specialist for snoring will begin by discussing your snoring habits, sleep patterns, lifestyle factors and overall health. You may be asked about symptoms like morning headaches, dry mouth, and daytime sleepiness.
Physical Examination
A physical exam allows the ENT specialist to assess your nasal passages, throat and neck for anatomical issues such as a deviated septum or enlarged tonsils.
Nasal Endoscopy
This in-office procedure helps the ENT specialist for snoring get a clear look at your upper airway using a small, flexible scope.
Sleep Study (Polysomnography)
If sleep apnea is suspected, your ENT specialist may recommend a sleep study, either at home or at a sleep center, to monitor your breathing and other vital signs overnight.
Treatment Options from an ENT Specialist for Snoring
Once the cause is identified, your ENT specialist will recommend the most effective treatment plan for you. This may include:
Lifestyle Modifications
Your ENT specialist might suggest weight loss, avoiding alcohol before bed, changing sleep positions, or managing allergies.
Medical Treatments
To reduce nasal inflammation or congestion, the ENT specialist for snoring may prescribe:
- Nasal sprays
- Antihistamines or decongestants
- Nasal strips
CPAP Therapy (for Sleep Apnea)
For patients with sleep apnea, the ENT specialist for snoring may recommend CPAP therapy to maintain an open airway during sleep.
Surgical Treatments
If structural issues are causing the problem, your ENT specialist for snoring may suggest:
- Septoplasty for a deviated septum
- Tonsillectomy/Adenoidectomy to remove enlarged tissues
- Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) to adjust soft palate tissues
- Radiofrequency ablation to shrink soft tissue
Trust Virginia ENT to Help You Sleep Better
At Virginia ENT in Henrico, Prince George, Mechanicsville, North Chesterfield and Richmond, VA, we understand how frustrating snoring can be—for both patients and their loved ones. If you’re searching for an experienced and compassionate ENT specialist for snoring, our team is here to help. We take a thorough and thoughtful approach to diagnosis and treatment so you can enjoy better sleep, better breathing and a better quality of life.
Request Your Appointment in Henrico, Prince George, Mechanicsville, North Chesterfield or Richmond, VA Today
Don’t ignore chronic snoring—schedule a consultation with an ENT specialist for snoring at Virginia ENT today.
Virginia ENT provides expert care in the diagnosis and treatment of snoring and related sleep conditions. With trusted ENT specialists for snoring at multiple locations, we’re here to help you breathe and sleep better. Contact us today to request your appointment.