Snoring
Snoring is the sound produced by the vibration of the soft tissues of the throat and the nose. It is rather common to snore. However, loud snoring can be indicative of other problems such as sleep apnea or a deviated septum.
Causes and triggers
There is a wide range of factors that can cause snoring, including:
- Large tongue or tonsils
- Elongated uvula
- Nasal congestion (cold, allergies)
- Alcohol, sedatives or sleeping aids
- Sleeping position (on the back)
- Smoking
- Deviated septum
- Excess weight
Symptoms
Snoring is a symptom in itself, but it can lead to other issues if it is serious enough:
- Difficulty to concentrate
- Fatigue or daytime drowsiness
- High blood pressure
- Irritability
- Morning headaches
Diagnosis
People with snoring problems should consult to determine whether it is related to sleep apnea or any other critical condition that may require a different treatment. They will be informed on the various options to treat the snoring.
Treatment
The most widely recommended treatment for mild snoring involves lifestyle changes such as:
- Weight loss: reduces airway blockage
- Sleeping on your side: helps keep the airway open
- Exercising: helps reach a healthy weight and improves sleep quality
- Avoiding alcohol and sedatives: reduces snoring
- Stopping smoking: reduces throat irritation
The same lifestyle changes are recommended for moderate to severe snoring, in addition to other measures. If snoring is due to nasal congestion (cold, allergies), nasal hygiene and a decongestant can improve the situation. Breathing strips can also help open the nasal passage.
Oral appliances can also be used to prevent the soft tissue at the back of the throat from creating a blockage and prevent the tongue from falling back into the mouth. These devices can be uncomfortable and are not for everyone.
Especially in the presence of sleep apnea, a possible solution is the use of a CPAP device (continuous positive airway pressure). A constant flow of air flows through a mask, keeping the throat open and preventing the soft tissue from collapsing. This method is highly effective but the mask must be worn every night and may cause discomfort for some users.
Surgery can be effective in removing redundant soft tissue. The objective behind all these methods, however, is essentially the same: keep the airway clear.