The Problem of Snoring

Snoring or Stertor is the noise created from vibrations created by air that is forced through the small opening in the back of the throat.  However, snoring can affect the quality and quantity of sleep, which can lead to daytime fatigue, and increased health problems.  Almost 30% of women and 45% of men snore, and people who usually do not snore report snoring after drinking alcohol, after viral illness or when taking any medications.  Alcohol and some medications tend to relax the muscles during sleep, and as the muscles of tongue, palate, pharynx and neck relax, airway becomes smaller and tissues vibrate more.

Snoring can be an indication of more serious underlying health problem, and people who snore regularly must be evaluated to ensure that there is no other health issue.  If the person snores with the mouth closed, there is s problem with the tongue, and if the person snores with the mouth open, the snoring might be related to the tissues in the throat.  Through evaluation of snoring problem requires taking inputs from family members or bed partners, and performing physical examination.  The patient is also asked about daytime symptoms of sleepiness, sleep hygiene, sleep pattern, frequency of awakening at night, daytime napping and so on.

With blocked airways, the inhalation becomes difficult, and it creates a vacuum in the throat causing snoring.  With the age, the throat becomes narrower, and muscle tone in the throat decreases.  Being overweight, use of medications or alcohol, sleeping postures and history of smoking are some of the causes that are within our control.  Behavioral changes such as smoking cessation, avoiding alcohol, losing weight and changing the medication can help reduce snoring.

Elevating the head few inches while sleeping makes the breathing easier, and encourages the jaw and tongue to move forward.  To get relief from snoring, you can try to lose weight, sleep on your side, elevate your head while sleeping, avoid alcohol and certain medications before bed and clear your nasal passage with the help of nasal decongestants or nasal strips.  For a person with narrow nasal passages, snoring can be reduced with the help of nasal devices or medications.  If nothing seems to be working to help you reduce snoring, you will have to consult and otolaryngologist, and if you want to try the dental appliance, you will have to see the dentist specializing in these devices.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure is a techniques where a machine is used to blow the pressurized air into the mask that you wear over your face or nose, and this keeps the airways open during the sleep.  Prior to surgery, it is advisable to go for the formal sleep study to ensure that snoring is not the manifestation of sleep apnea.  Certain surgeries such as Thermal Ablation Palatoplasty, Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy increase the size of airways by removing the tissues or correcting abnormalities.