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Sleep Disorders: Why Do You Snore? Determining the Causes of Snoring
Occasional snoring is usually not very serious and is mostly a nuisance for your bed partner. However, if you are a habitual snorer, it is a good idea to get checked out by a doctor to make sure a more serious problem isn't causing your snoring.
What to Expect
During the doctor's visit, the doctor will ask about your symptoms and take a complete medical history. He or she will also perform a general physical examination, paying particular attention to your nose and throat. Your weight and blood pressure will be evaluated and your blood may be tested for thyroid function.
Your doctor may suggest you see an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor). These doctors are better equipped to examine your nasal passages.
Additionally, you may be referred to a sleep lab for further testing. The overnight sleep test allows researchers to monitor multiple bodily functions while you sleep.
WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic
Sleep Disorders Guide
TOPAMAX is approved for migraine prevention in adults only.
TOPAMAX is not used to stop a migraine after it starts.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Serious risks associated with TOPAMAX include lowered bicarbonate levels in the blood resulting in an increase in the acidity of the blood (metabolic acidosis). Symptoms could include hyperventilation (rapid, deep breathing), tiredness, loss of appetite, irregular heartbeat or changes in the level of alertness. Call your doctor immediately if you get these symptoms. Your doctor may want to do simple blood tests. Chronic, untreated metabolic acidosis may increase the risk for kidney stones or bone disease.
Other serious risks include decreased sweating, increased body temperature, kidney stones, sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and increased eye pressure (glaucoma). Call your doctor immediately if you have any decrease in vision or eye pain. These problems can lead to blindness if not treated right away.
More common side effects are tingling in arms and legs, loss of appetite, tiredness, nausea, diarrhea, taste change and weight loss.
Tell your doctor about other medications you take. Please see full U.S. Prescribing Information.
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Snoring may annoy your family, but it can also signal a serious health risk. A high-tech tool helps doctors spot sleep apnea more easily.
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