When should you see a doctor for sleep deprivation?

If you are experiencing persistent sleep deprivation and it is affecting your daily life, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional. They can help identify the underlying causes and provide guidance on improving your sleep patterns.

 

Can I consult with a doctor on Laso MD about my snoring?

Certainly! Before reaching a snoring diagnosis, our healthcare practitioners will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and conduct a physical examination. Depending on the severity of your snoring, they may recommend a sleep study, either at home or overnight at a sleep center, to test for potential sleep disorders. Additional testing may be suggested to rule out underlying causes.

Once a clear diagnosis is obtained, our healthcare team can recommend appropriate snoring treatments tailored to your needs.

 

Can I receive a prescription on Laso MD?

Yes, our physicians can prescribe medications for snoring online during your consultation. Upon accepting the prescription, you’ll have the flexibility to pick it up from any pharmacy or opt for convenient doorstep delivery at no extra cost.

 

What is snoring?

Snoring is the production of a harsh or hoarse sound caused by the rattling or vibration of tissues in the throat during breathing while asleep. It can range from light and occasional to loud and persistent.

A prevalent occurrence, snoring affects over half of men and 40% of women, with more than 25% of children also known to snore.

While occasional snoring is common, for some individuals, it becomes a chronic issue. Additionally, snoring can serve as an indicator of an underlying sleep disorder that may require attention.

 

What are the symptoms of snoring?

Snoring serves as both a standalone condition and a symptom of other underlying issues. It manifests as a rattling, hoarse, or raspy sound during sleep.

The symptoms of snoring can vary from infrequent and mild, which is considered normal for some individuals, to loud, disruptive, and potentially hazardous for others. In severe cases, snoring may sound like choking, gagging, or gasping for air, disrupting sleep cycles and leading to frequent awakenings during the night, resulting in persistent fatigue.

While not all snorers have the condition, snoring is often associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Even for those who sleep alone, the presence of OSA can be indicated by associated symptoms, such as:

• Sore throat upon waking in the morning
• Daytime sleepiness
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Morning headaches
• Difficulty focusing
• Chest pain in the evenings
• Loud or persistent snoring that disrupts others’ sleep
• Witnessed pauses in breathing while asleep
• Waking up choking or gasping for air
• Restless sleep

In children, signs of snoring or OSA may include poor school performance, behavioral issues, or a limited attention span.

 

What leads to snoring?

Various conditions can contribute to the symptoms of snoring, including:

1. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
2. Nasal congestion (both chronic and acute)
3. Anatomical features of the mouth, nose, throat, and sinuses (e.g., deviated septum)
4. Sleep deprivation
5. Blocked nasal airways (e.g., due to allergies, infection)
6. Bulky throat tissue (enlarged tonsils or adenoids in children, being overweight, cysts, and less commonly, tumors)
7. Long soft palate or uvula
8. Poor muscle tone in the throat and tongue (induced by medications, alcohol, or during deep sleep)

In addition to these causes, certain factors can elevate the risk of snoring, such as:

1. Being male
2. Consumption of alcohol
3. Smoking
4. Sleeping position
5. Use of sedative medications (sleep aids)
6. Nasal problems
7. Family history of snoring or OSA
8. Narrow airways
9. Obesity

 

How is snoring diagnosed?

The healthcare provider at Laso MD will engage in discussions about the symptoms and signs of snoring you are experiencing. They will inquire about your personal and family medical histories and conduct a physical examination.

In certain cases, a sleep study may be recommended by your healthcare provider to establish a clear diagnosis for snoring. This study can often be conducted at home, but in some instances, an overnight stay at a sleep center may be necessary for a thorough evaluation.

Less frequently, if there is suspicion of an underlying condition causing the snoring, imaging tests may be suggested by the healthcare provider to rule out other potential issues.

Once a clear diagnosis is obtained, the healthcare provider can recommend appropriate snoring treatments. Typically, prescription snoring medications are not involved in the treatment process.

 

How is snoring treated?

Addressing snoring can be complex. In many instances, lifestyle changes may be recommended by your healthcare provider to minimize the risk of snoring. This could include:

• Avoiding sleep deprivation and establishing a regular sleep pattern
• Avoiding sleeping on your back
• Treating underlying conditions, such as nasal congestion
• Avoiding alcohol, sleeping pills, and antihistamines close to bedtime
• Losing weight and adopting an active lifestyle to enhance muscle tone

When these natural treatments are ineffective and snoring is associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), alternative snoring treatments may be suggested. Some of these treatments include:

• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines
• Oral appliances (dental mouthpieces worn during sleep)
• Upper airway surgery

At present, there are no prescription snoring medications available that directly reduce snoring symptoms. Any medications prescribed would be aimed at treating underlying conditions contributing to snoring rather than the snoring itself.

 

When should you consult a doctor for snoring?

If you perceive that the signs of snoring are impacting your sleep or that of your partner, it’s advisable to reach out to a healthcare practitioner or sleep therapist through Laso MD.

A healthcare provider from Laso MD can offer a precise diagnosis for your snoring and recommend suitable treatments to help you manage the condition.

While snoring is a common issue, effective treatment options are available. Schedule a consultation with a healthcare practitioner from Laso MD today to receive the necessary assistance for improving your sleep and overall health.

 

What is Laso MD?

Laso MD provides a platform for swift communication with doctors about your symptoms. We are a healthcare app ensuring convenient 24/7 access to Canadian doctors.

Simply log in, request a consultation with a tap, and we’ll promptly connect you to a doctor via live chat or video. Visit our How it Works page for detailed information.

Our team of doctors and sleep therapists can evaluate symptoms and provide treatment, including prescriptions if deemed necessary.