You are not alone. Almost 30 million Americans suffer from sinus problems. Lingering colds, recurring allergies, and nasal drainage, congestion or discharge are all symptoms that can signal deeper sinus problems. Self treatment is fine for common colds, but it can hide long term, serious problems. Nasal congestion can cause snoring.

When your palate rattles as you breathe, you snore. Sometimes this soft tissue can actually block your throat for short periods while you are sleeping. This may result in a serious condition known as sleep apnea. Your partner may hear you alternate between snoring loudly and being very quiet. You may gasp or snort in your sleep.

Your job performance may suffer. Lack of restful sleep can lead to irritability, short temper, difficulty with concentration, and problems with memory. Friends, family, and coworkers may find you difficult to get along with. Your snoring can  also disturb the sleep of others in your household and strain relationships. This lack of restful sleep can affect their job performance and concentration just as it does yours.

As sleep apnea worsens, normal breathing and heart rhythms are disrupted, creating a great deal of stress on the heart and nervous system. High blood pressure, heart rhythm abnormalities, heart attack, and stroke are associated problems. Approximately 28% of patients with sleep apnea are impotent.

Sleep apnea disrupts normal breathing and oxygen flow and can rob restful sleep. This lack of restful sleep can lead to sleepiness or pen micro-sleep during waking hours. These micro-sleeps have been linked accidents and industrial injuries. Studies by the U.S. Department of Transportation show an increased auto crash and fatality rate.