Call US : 520-792-2170
OUR TEAM
A.J. Emami, MD, FACS
A.J. Emami, MD, FACS
A.J. Emami, MD, FACS
Niki Patel, DO
A.J. Emami, MD, FACS
A.J. Emami, MD, FACS
Kai Johnson, PA-C
Kim Daly: Inspire Navigator
Kim Daly: Inspire Navigator
Kim Daly: Inspire Navigator
Kim Daly: Inspire Navigator
Kim Daly: Inspire Navigator
Committed To Outstanding Outcomes
SNORING – SLEEP APNEA
Snoring and sleep apnea are common conditions that can significantly impact your quality of life and overall health. You are not alone in this. Occasional or mild snoring is usually not concerning. However, chronic snoring can be a symptom of sleep apnea and increase your risk of serious health conditions such as stroke and heart attack.
What is the difference between snoring and sleep apnea?
Snoring results from air flowing past relaxed tissues in your throat, causing them to vibrate as you breathe. Sleep apnea, on the other hand, is a potentially serious sleep disorder where breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when the upper airway becomes blocked during sleep, reducing or completely stopping airflow. Oxygen levels in the body can fall significantly during these episodes. Over time, this leads to organ damage, particularly in the heart and brain.
What causes snoring and sleep apnea?
Both snoring and obstructive sleep apnea involve changes in how air passes through the upper airway. It is common for people with OSA to snore. However, some people who snore do not have OSA, and not everyone has OSA snores. Because the conditions overlap, many of the same factors related to ear, nose, and throat (ENT) structures can contribute to snoring and sleep apnea. Multiple factors likely contribute to the condition if you’re a chronic snorer.
Here are some of the common reasons for snoring and sleep apnea:
Nasal obstruction: Conditions such as a deviated septum, nasal polyps, or chronic sinusitis can lead to mouth breathing and increase the likelihood of snoring and sleep apnea.
Enlarged tonsils and adenoids: Particularly common in children, enlarged tonsils and adenoids can obstruct the airway and cause sleep-disordered breathing.
Soft palate and uvula issues: The uvula is a small flap of tissue at the back of your throat that is part of the soft palate. An elongated soft palate and uvula can narrow the opening from the nose to the throat, contributing to snoring and potential airway collapse.
Tongue base obstruction: In some individuals, the base of the tongue may fall back and block the airway during sleep, especially when lying on your back.
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520-792-2170
Valley ENT
Multiple Tucson / Green Valley Locations
