Signs It’s Time to Consider Surgery for Snoring Issues
Do you want your bedroom to be quiet and free of snores? If alternative therapies are ineffective for problematic snoring, surgery may be the best course of action.
Several invasive therapies can effectively address the anatomical source of snoring when conservative approaches fail.
When should surgery enter the conversation? Here are signs it may offer the best route for finally quieting obstinate snores:
Failed Trials of Non-Surgical Snoring Aids
Surgery is considered after diligently attempting these more conservative measures:
- Oral devices like MADs or TRDs to prevent airway collapse.
- CPAP therapy to splint the airway open with airflow.
- Positional devices that prohibit sleeping on the back.
- Avoidance of alcohol, sedatives, and other chemical aggravators.
- OTC nasal strips or nasal sprays to reduce congestion.
- Lifestyle improvements in weight, sleep habits, and managing nasal allergies.
But for some, bothersome snoring persists despite exhausting non-invasive options. Moving to the surgical route is reasonable after such trial and error.
Snoring Severity Causing Major Lifestyle Disruption
The severity of snoring should warrant the risks and recovery of surgery. Consider surgery if:
- Snoring registers over 60-65 decibels – similar to a vacuum cleaner.
- It can be heard through walls or when sleeping apart from a partner.
- It causes relationship strains or bedroom displacement.
- It results in chronic daytime drowsiness from noise-induced awakenings.
Such disruptive, pervasive snoring indicates anatomical obstruction likely requiring surgery to correct at the source.
Significant Comorbidities Exacerbated by Snoring
Though not life-threatening alone, snoring can worsen other health conditions. Consult a surgeon when it:
- Aggravates heart disease or pulmonary hypertension risks.
- Worsens sleep apnea leads to oxygen deprivation.
- Triggers insomnia or chronic sleep deprivation.
- Causes morning headaches, even migraines.
- Increases cardiac event or stroke risks from apneic episodes.
For patients with comorbidities, snoring-induced sleep disruption may justify surgical correction.
Structural Causes Identified on Exam or Sleep Study
Certain anatomical findings predict likely surgical success:
- Redundant tissues like enlarged adenoids, tonsils, the tongue base, or uvula.
- Nasal obstructions from polyps, deviated septum, or inflamed turbinates.
- Jaw position contributing to airway crowding.
- Collapsing palate or epiglottis observed during sleep testing.
Pinpointing the problematic anatomy guides surgical planning for maximum snoring relief.
The Takeaway
Before thinking about snoring surgery, make sure conservative approaches don’t work. However, if disruptive snoring continues every night despite multiple treatments, think about a surgical evaluation. A peaceful night’s sleep free from severe noise pollution is in store! If you want to know if snoring surgery is the answer to peaceful nights, our staff is happy to help.
