90 million Americans snore during sleep, as you’re likely to already know either as a sufferer yourself, or as a long-suffering partner of someone who snores. But while snoring is extremely common, in some cases a person’s snoring can point to a more serious problem, like sleep apnea. While it may not be immediately apparent, a diagnosis of sleep apnea can be confirmed by a medical professional after evaluating your medical records and eliminating other possible causes. If you are in need of a sleep apnea doctor in New York, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Shukla today for a consultation towards peaceful sleep.
If you’re not sure whether your nighttime noisemaking rates further investigation, read on to discover if you’re snoring, or if it’s sleep apnea.
What Happens When You Snore?
Snoring is the sound you make when the inhalation of air causes the tissue in your throat to vibrate. Most often caused by the uvula (the tissue that hangs in the back of the throat), an elongated soft palate, too-large tongue or nasal obstruction, the resulting sound can transmit through the nose, mouth or combination of the two and can happen during any stage of sleep.
Who is Most Likely to Snore?
40% of men and 24% of women make up habitual snorers, but these demographics vary with age and can also fluctuate depending on circumstances. Back sleepers, those who drink alcohol and people who use prescription depressants can all snore, as can those who experience seasonal allergy symptoms or are suffering congestion from a cold or flu.
When Does Snoring Indicate Sleep Apnea?
As serious to your relationship as the disturbance to your partner might be, you will also want to seek help for your snoring if you find you are frequently tired during the day, constantly feel sleep-deprived, are irritable, have trouble concentrating, or fall asleep at work or while driving. These symptoms are much more serious than nuisance-snoring and point to a larger issue at work.
What is Sleep Apnea and Who Gets It?
Sleep apnea is the interruption of breathing while you sleep due to an obstruction of air flow, the most common form being Obstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA. Sleep apnea can be caused by a number of factors and exacerbated by even more. These include age (people over 40), sex (men), genetics (sleep apnea runs in families and is more prevalent in those of African American, Native American, Pacific Islander and Hispanic descent), obesity, smokers, and drinkers. Sleep apnea is also more common in people with small airways, recessed chins, and small jaws.
How is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?
If you recognize yourself in the descriptions above – the chronic snoring accompanied by daytime fatigue – you should seek immediate consultation with a medical professional familiar with sleep disorders. Come prepared to your appointment with a sleep diary and any notes from your sleep partner. At your appointment, the doctor will review your medical history, take your vitals, and go over all observations. He may also order lab tests to rule out other medical conditions. If the findings point toward sleep apnea, your doctor may order a sleep study to confirm it, which may require you to stay overnight at a specialized sleep center.
What if my Snoring is Not Caused by Sleep Apnea?
Even if you don’t think your snoring is caused by sleep apnea, there is still good reason to get it checked out. Swollen or obstructed nasal and throat cavities caused by allergies and asthma can also result in snoring, as well as interrupt breathing leading to sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Doctor in New York
Dr. Mayank Shukla can help you determine if your snoring is due to sleep apnea, asthma, allergies, or any number of other treatable conditions. Call 917-935-4864 to set your appointment with the best sleep apnea doctor in New York and make sure you’re on the path to optimal health.
