ABOUT THE DISEASE
Snoring is the harsh unpleasant sound produced while breathing during sleep. It occurs when breathing is partially obstructed in some way while sleeping. It is a common condition that can affect anyone, although it occurs more frequently in men and people who are overweight. It not only disturbs you and your family members, it can also create medical problems like high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, impaired concentration, etc. Snoring is often associated with a sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
SYMPTOMS
- • Noise during sleep
- • Excessive daytime sleepiness
- • Difficulty concentrating
- • Morning headaches
- • Sore throat
CAUSES
Snoring occurs when the flow of air through the mouth and nose is physically obstructed. Air flow can be obstructed by a combination of factors, including::
a) Obstructed nasal airways
b) Poor muscle tone in the throat and tongue
c) Bulky throat tissue
d) Long soft palate and/or uvula
e) Alcohol consumption
f) Sleep deprivation
g) Sleep position
h) Obstructive sleep apnea
DIAGNOSIS
- Clinical Evaluation
- Imaging tests such as X-ray, a CT scan or MRI, to check the structure of airway for problems, such as a deviated septum.
- Sleep study
TREATMENT METHODS
Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol close to bedtime, treating nasal congestion, avoiding sleep deprivation and avoiding sleeping on back, regular exercise, etc are helpful in management.
Other options include:
Oral appliances
- • Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
Palatal implants
You may also like to learn about:
Deviated septum
Sleep apnea
Nasal blockage/stuffy nose
Hypertension
Headache
Tonsillitis