Why does nasal congestion make me snore?

We have all experienced a terrible night sleep during a cold or allergy season. The congestion and mouth breathing results in a significant amount of difficulty going to sleep and frequent awakenings throughout the night. Nasal congestion actually causes an increase in the velocity and turbulence of the airflow. We have all seen what happens when we narrow the opening of the garden hose by putting our thumb over the opening. The narrowed opening causes an increase in the velocity of the water flowing. This same basic principle is true when we have nasal obstruction as well. The suction of air into our nose being forced through the congested nasal airway makes the airflow much more rapid. When the rapid air reaches the back of our throat the collapsible structures which include the soft palate, tonsils, and base of tongue will vibrate significantly producing snoring. In addition to snoring the airway may actually collapse because of this rapid airflow going through this collapsible segment in our throat. This collapse, which is called apnea, will wake us up out of deep sleep into a lighter level of sleep. The lighter level of sleep does not provide the physical or mental rest necessary to feel good and perform well the next day. If a patient has chronic nasal congestion, and associated chronic episodes of apnea, it is likely they will develop significant associated medical issues such as heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Specialists which focus on the ear nose and throat can perform a thorough evaluation of your nasal congestion complaints. Correction of these complaints provide significant benefit during the daytime and during exercise but will also have a very positive effect on reducing snoring and reducing the risk of apnea. Put simply, correcting your chronic nasal congestion, can provide a much higher quality sleep. Daniel Slaughter, MD

What is Balloon Sinuplasty?

It’s a beautiful day in Austin Texas, but unfortunately the allergy forecast has called for high mold counts. Despite allergy medications, you know that sinus pressure and a sinus headache are in the forecast for you as well. Others may have bigger problems with ragweed, cedar, or oak. Many people dread barometric pressure changes while others fight recurrent sinus infections with antibiotic after antibiotic. Is there anything that can be done? For many years, patients with the above complaints either had simple treatment such as allergy medications and antibiotics or aggressive treatment that included sinus surgery. In 2005, the FDA approved balloon Sinuplasty. Balloon Sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that relieves pain and pressure associated with sinus inflammation. It also effectively treats chronic sinusitis patients who are not responding to medications such as antibiotics, nasal steroids, or other sinus medications. Using balloon catheters similar to the ones used in angioplasty, the otolaryngology surgeon is able to dilate blocked sinus drainage pathways. Opening the sinus drainage pathway using balloon Sinuplasty helps drain mucus and restore normal sinus drainage without cutting, bleeding, or any significant risk to the patient. This approach also preserves the natural structure of the sinuses. Balloon Sinuplasty is typically performed in the clinic setting under mild sedation. It takes about 15 minutes to dilate the sinuses. Since there is no cutting or bleeding, nasal packing is not necessary after the procedure. Most patients are back to work in under 48 hours. Interestingly, not only do most patients get immediate relief from their sinus complaints, but they also note improvement in their nasal breathing as a side effect of the procedure. Studies have shown that the sinus dilation is not short-lived and most patients can expect permanent relief. In similar studies, over 95% of patients noted improvement of their sinus complaints and over 95% of patients stated they would undergo balloon Sinuplasty again if necessary. If sinus problems are a constant part of your life, evaluation by an otolaryngologist who specializes in balloon Sinuplasty may be the next step to improved sinus health. Zachary Wassmuth, MD