Snoring & Sleep Apnea in Gurnee & Libertyville
Snoring is common—and sometimes more than a nuisance. In certain cases it’s a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where breathing repeatedly slows or stops during sleep. At Lake County ENT, we pinpoint why you’re snoring and create a plan that helps you (and your bed partner) sleep better and wake up refreshed.
What it is
Snoring is noisy airflow through relaxed tissues of the throat. OSA is repeated breathing pauses caused by airway narrowing or collapse during sleep.
Who it affects
All ages. More common with weight gain, nasal blockage, enlarged tonsils, anatomy of the palate/tongue, and alcohol or sedatives before bed.
How we help
Thorough ENT exam, home or lab sleep testing when needed, and a tailored plan—ranging from lifestyle steps and CPAP to oral appliances or procedures.
Snoring most nights? Feeling exhausted in the day? Let’s check for sleep apnea and get you real rest.
Common Symptoms
- Loud, frequent snoring (often worse on your back)
- Witnessed pauses or gasping during sleep
- Morning headaches or dry mouth
- Daytime sleepiness, trouble focusing, irritability
- High blood pressure or heart disease risk
Why It Happens
- Relaxed/thick tissues: Soft palate, uvula, and tongue vibrate or obstruct
- Nasal blockage: Deviated septum, allergies, sinusitis, enlarged turbinates
- Enlarged tonsils/adenoids: Especially in children
- Weight gain & alcohol/sedatives: Increase airway collapse
When to call us: Nightly snoring, witnessed apneas, daytime sleepiness, or resistant high blood pressure.
Call 911 for severe breathing difficulty or chest pain.
How We Diagnose Snoring & Sleep Apnea
Our Evaluation
- Head & neck exam, nasal/airway assessment, and bite/tongue evaluation
- Review of sleep symptoms, medications, alcohol, and nasal allergy history
- Fiberoptic endoscopy as needed to see where blockage occurs
Sleep Testing
- Home sleep test or in-lab polysomnography to confirm OSA severity
- Results guide treatment: lifestyle, CPAP, oral appliance, or procedures
Not sure where the blockage is? We’ll map your airway and tailor care.
Treatment Options
Conservative & Medical
- Weight management, regular sleep schedule, side-sleeping, head-of-bed elevation
- Limit alcohol/sedatives before bedtime
- Allergy & nasal treatment (sprays, rinses) for congestion
- CPAP: First-line for many with OSA; keeps the airway open with gentle pressure
- Custom oral appliance: Repositions the lower jaw forward in select patients
Procedures & Surgical Options
- Inspire Therapy (hypoglossal nerve stimulation) for CPAP-intolerant adults — see Inspire Sleep Apnea
- UPPP/soft palate procedures to reduce vibration/obstruction
- Tonsil/adenoid surgery when enlarged tissues contribute
- Nasal surgery for deviated septum or turbinate hypertrophy
- Other targeted procedures based on airway exam and sleep study
What to Expect at Your Visit
Visit Steps
- Listen & evaluate: Review sleep history and health goals
- Exam & testing: Airway exam and home or lab sleep study if indicated
- Plan together: Choose the most effective path—medical, device, or procedure
Good to Know
- Effective treatment lowers risks for hypertension, heart disease, and accidents
- Many options exist if CPAP isn’t a fit—don’t give up on better sleep
- Pediatric snoring often relates to tonsils/adenoids and should be evaluated
Ready for quieter nights and better days? We’ll personalize a plan that works for you.
FAQs
Related Topics
Sleep should restore you. Get answers—and relief—at Lake County ENT.