While many people associate snoring with old, overweight men, snoring can interfere with the much-needed rest of young and old, fit and obese men, women and children. In fact, 45% of adults snore at least occasionally, and 25% are habitual snorers. Being overweight and older tend to be factors associated with snoring, but so do nasal allergies, deviated septum, heartburn and other issues.

Dr. Michael Bublik, a triple board certified ear, nose, and throat, sinus and allergy doctor (Otolaryngology) who also is fellowship trained in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, explains that snoring occurs when there is an obstruction to the free flow of air through the passages at the back of the mouth and nose. This obstruction causes turbulent air flow which produces vibrations of the soft tissue. Snoring is the sound generated from this vibration.

In addition to the noise and discomfort of snoring, which at times includes gasping or choking during sleep, Dr. Bublik explains that snoring and the lack of appropriate rest can be associated with other problems, as follows:

• Daytime sleepiness
• Sore throat
• Relationship problems
• Trouble concentrating
• High blood pressure
• Irregular heartbeat
• Raised heart rate and blood pressure
• Insulin resistance
• Appetite problems
• Trouble with critical thinking
• Discolored and misaligned teeth in children
• ADD – like symptoms in children

Dr. Bublik further explains that if you’re prone to sinus problems, allergies, sinusitis and the like — and you snore — you may be suffering from blockage of the turbinates in the nasal passage.

Swollen or blocked turbinates in the nose can cause difficulty breathing, which in turn can also cause snoring and various recurring sinus problems, plus running noses and the like. The effect while sleeping can be similar to mild sleep apnea. Breathing is obstructed, and as a result, you often awake in the morning tired and feel miserable all day.

Problems with the turbinates can come from birth or from infections, but chronic breathing problems caused by turbinate obstruction are most worrisome from a sleep/wakefulness standpoint.

Fortunately, as Dr. Bublik explains to his patients, modern science has advanced to the point that blocked turbinates can be quickly diagnosed and unblocked (opened) through an office procedure known as Turbinate Coblation.

Coblation Turbinate Reduction can help in the following ways:

• Treat severe or chronic nasal allergies
• Relieve nasal congestion and drainage
• Reduce sinus-related snoring
• Improve breathing
• Treat sleep apnea

Coblation Turbinate Reduction is a minimally-invasive sleep apnea and snoring procedure that uses radio frequency energy to reduce the size of nasal turbinates and provides relief from nasal airway obstruction. This in-office procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes and is performed using local anesthesia. There is no downtime and patients generally return to daily activities immediately.

If you or a loved one snores, it’s time to take a decisive step towards resolving an issue that detrimentally affects the quality of life of the snorer and his/her partner. Call Dr. Bublik’s office and schedule a consultation to find out if Coblation Turbinate Reduction, or another procedure, can finally solve your snoring problem.