If you snore, chances are someone in your life has complained about it. Frequently. Rest assured, however—you’re in good company. Approximately half of adult Americans snore occasionally, and about a quarter snore regularly. The problem tends to be worse in males, and in overweight individuals. There’s more bad news: while you may hope your spouse will outgrow a snoring problem, it actually tends to get worse with age. Sometimes snoring and sinuses get substantially worse.
When we breathe, the air flow is typically smooth. However, obstructions in the airway can cause turbulence, and the turbulence can cause vibrations in the structure of the upper airway. These structures, including the sinuses, are essentially resonance chambers—so the vibrations can result in anything from the occasional snerk to full-on, earthquake-level snoring.
Silly as snoring can seem, it can also be indicative of some fairly serious problems. If you snore, you should probably be assessed for:
- Sinusitis
- Nasal polyps
- Enlarged adenoids
- Deviated septum
It is important to assess these conditions if only to rule them out—snoring is also associated with a serious medical condition known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea. People who snore may also be at higher risk for hypertension, heart attack, and stroke.
So, as your spouse may already be telling you, snoring is no joke. If you snore, give an NYC sinus doctor at the NYC Sinus Center a call. We can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Snoring is caused by obstructions in the airway that create turbulence and vibrations in the upper airway structures, including the sinuses. These vibrations produce the sound of snoring. As people age, muscle tone in the airway decreases and obstructions may increase, causing snoring to worsen over time.
If you snore regularly, it is important to be assessed for conditions such as sinusitis, nasal polyps, enlarged adenoids, and a deviated septum. These conditions can obstruct the airway and contribute to snoring and other complications.
Yes, snoring can be linked to serious health conditions like Obstructive Sleep Apnea, which is associated with an increased risk of hypertension, heart attack, and stroke. Therefore, snoring should not be ignored and warrants medical evaluation.
Snoring is more common in males and overweight individuals. About half of all adult Americans snore occasionally, while roughly a quarter snore regularly, with prevalence increasing in these groups.
Yes, an NYC sinus doctor can evaluate the underlying causes of snoring related to sinus and airway issues and provide appropriate treatments or referrals. Addressing sinus problems and airway obstructions can help reduce or eliminate snoring.
The sinuses act as resonance chambers in the upper airway. When airflow becomes turbulent due to obstructions, the vibrations in these chambers produce the sounds of snoring, ranging from mild noises to loud, disruptive snoring.