Dr. Totten has retired and is no longer scheduling appointments. If you are a current patient and would like a copy of your records, please contact our office as the Practice will be closing in February.
Snoring, which is often related to the anatomy of the throat, can cause both health problems and detrimental relationship problems. Patients can receive evaluation for snoring as well as safe and effective treatment from Aurora ENT in Anchorage, Alaska, who specialize in conditions of the throat.
Although snoring is very common, it can cause significant relationship problems for couples who live together. The partner of a snorer loses an average of an hour of sleep per night, and many couples in which one member snores report decreased intimacy and satisfaction in their marriage. Additionally, snoring can disrupt restful sleep for the snorer.
Snoring occurs when air passing through narrowed airways vibrates and creates noise. The sleep cycle, sleeping position, and use of alcohol and medications can contribute to snoring. The most common causes include:
Men and those who are overweight are more likely to snore.
Those who snore consistently — almost every night or every night — experience frequent waking at night, inability to sleep deeply, and daytime fatigue. Snorers are also at increased risk of sleep apnea — pauses in breathing during sleep — which puts the patient at high risk of many health problems, including:
There are a variety of methods doctors use to alleviate snoring in patients. Some patients find relief with a single treatment option while other patients require a combination or an escalation of treatment methods. These options include:
CPAP is considered the treatment of choice for sleep apnea, but only a qualified doctor can determine the right treatment for each individual patient.
An otolaryngologist (ENT), also called an ear, nose, and throat doctor, treats snoring and problems related to snoring.
Please contact our office for more information about our insurance policies.
"Dr .Totten took care of my daughters tonsillitis she was great ,and my daughter healed fast."
"Dr. Totten was my first choice when we needed an ENT MD for our daughter. She has a great attitude and just takes care of things that need management."
"If it's after hours I always get a call back from the doctor. She is truly the most loving, kind person. I trust her. Thank you to the whole office."
