Snoring is noisy breathing during sleep as tissue in the upper respiratory tract vibrates. It is a common problem that affects most people at some time in their lives.
It is usually harmless and can be relieved with home remedies. If these don't work, treatment may be available. Sometimes snoring is due to a more serious health problem. If snoring becomes disrupted or there are other symptoms, it is best to see a doctor.
Facts About Snoring
Snoring is a common but treatable condition.
Turbulent air moves through the respiratory tract. When it flows, it causes the uvula and soft palate to vibrate.
Snoring may be associated with sleep apnea, a symptom of high blood pressure and other disorders.
Men snore more than women.
>Some home remedies and exercises can help prevent snoring.
Causes of Snoring
During waking hours, the tissues in the throat and upper airway are open for easy air entry into the lungs.
During sleep, the soft tissues and tongue relax and can partially block the airway.
If air entering and exiting the airway encounters sufficient resistance, vibration, or snoring, it may occur.
Obesity. Smoking, drinking alcohol, or having frequent nasal congestion increases the risk of persistent snoring. Snoring is thought to affect 44 percent of men and 28 percent of women ages 30 to 60.
Snoring may indicate a medical condition such as:
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
Type 2 diabetes
Cardiovascular disease
Obesity
Sinus or nose problems
Snoring, blood flow to the brain It has been attributed to the thickening of the walls of the carrying carotid arteries. This can increase the risk of stroke.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can cause a type of snoring in which a person may stop breathing for a period of time between snoring and produce choking or gasping sounds.
Apart from loud snoring, sleep apnea can cause the following symptoms:
Daytime insomnia
Insomnia
Morning headache
Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
Irritability
Low libido
Sleep symptoms� Anyone experiencing these symptoms should see a doctor, as they may be a sign of another condition, such as high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, and acromegaly.
Snoring and sleep apnea also increase the likelihood of a sleep disorder. This can cause fatigue and concentration. It may also increase the risk of some mental health problems.
Snoring Treatment
Diagnosis
To diagnose your condition, your doctor will review your signs and symptoms and medical history. Your doctor will also perform a physical examination.
Your doctor may ask your partner questions to assess the severity of the problems related to when and how you snore. If your child snores, you will be asked questions about the severity of your child's snoring.
Imaging
Your doctor may order an imaging test such as X-ray, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging. These tests check the structure of your airway for problems such as a deviated septum.
Sleep study
Depending on the severity of your snoring and other symptoms, your doctor may want to perform a sleep study. Sleep studies can sometimes be done at home.
However, depending on your other medical problems and other sleep symptoms, you may need to stay at a sleep center for a study called polysomnography for an in-depth examination of your breathing during sleep.
>Snoring Treatment
To treat your snoring, your doctor will first recommend lifestyle changes such as:
Lose weight
Avoid drinking alcohol before bed
To treat nasal congestion
Avoiding sleep deprivation
Avoiding sleeping on your back
If you choose to use an oral appliance, you will work with your dental professional to optimize the fit and position of the device. You will also work with your sleep specialist to make sure the oral device is working as intended. Dental visits may be necessary at least every six months for the first year and at least annually thereafter to check fit and evaluate your oral health.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). This approach involves touching your nose or mouth while you sleep. It involves wearing a mask. The mask directs pressurized air from a small bedside pump into your airway to keep the mouth open during sleep.
CPAP (SEE-pap) eliminates snoring and is often used to treat snoring when it is associated with OSA.
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