Snoring that affects the daily life of many people and disturbing the person’s sleep quality and those around him is a common problem. The narrowing of the airway during sleep and vibration of soft tissues during respiration cause snoring. The severity and frequency of snoring may vary from person to person. It is usually associated with factors such as age, weight, sleeping position, respiratory blockages and lifestyle habits. Snoring can only be a harbinger of serious health problems, such as sleep apnea, beyond being a social problem. For this reason, it is necessary to consult a doctor to understand the cause of those who experience continuous or severe snoring and apply appropriate treatment methods.
What is snoring?
It is a voice respiratory state that occurs as a result of preventing air passage due to the narrowing of the respiratory tract during sleep and the formation of vibrations. Generally, the relaxation of tissues in the throat, tongue root and soft palate region makes it difficult for the air to pass freely. This causes vibrations and creates the sound of snoring. Although snoring can be seen in all age groups, it is more common in men, overweight and older ages. However, some people can only suffer in certain situations (for example lying on your back), while others may have chronic snoring problems.
Simple snoring (primary snoring) occurs without blockage of respiratory tract. Usually it does not have a serious health risk. However, snoring due to sleep apnea can cause serious health complications by causing respiratory pauses. Symptoms such as fatigue, attention deficit and high blood pressure may occur in those with sleep apnea. Snoring may reduce sleep quality, or may adversely affect cardiovascular health by reducing oxygen levels during sleep. For this reason, the snoring, especially with noisy, irregular or respiratory stops, must be evaluated in detail.
Causes snoring?
It usually occurs as a result of restriction of air flow due to contraction in the upper respiratory tract and vibration of soft tissues. During sleep, the throat muscles, tongue root and soft palate relax when the airways narrow. The air during respiration causes the tissue to vibrate and forms the sound of snoring. This may vary depending on the physical characteristics, lifestyle and some health conditions of the individual. Although the reasons for snoring vary, in this case, the following factors are generally effective:
- Stentions in the throat and nose structure can cause snoring by making the air flow difficult.
- Large tonsils, long small tongue (UVULA) or thick soft palate can increase the vibration by narrowing the airway.
- Nasal curvature (septum deviation) or polyps can prevent snoring by preventing comfortable breathing through the nose.
- Excess weight may cause the adipose tissue accumulated, especially around the neck, to compress the airway.
- Sleeping on the back can intensify snoring by causing the tongue to shift back and blockage of the airway.
- Side side is a method that can reduce snoring.
- Sleep apnea is one of the most serious causes of snoring. Respiratory pauses are experienced during sleep, which may cause the oxygen level to decrease.
- Diseases affecting respiratory tract such as nasal congestion, chronic sinusitis, allergies or flu can increase snoring.
- Inadequate work of the thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) may cause a decrease in muscle tone and thus snoring.
What are the symptoms of snoring?
Snoring is usually not noticed by the person because it occurs during sleep. However, those who have snoring problems may experience symptoms such as waking up tired in the morning, weakness and focusing problems during the day. Snoring can disturb both the person and those who sleep in the same environment by disrupting sleep patterns. If the snoring is irregular and loud, it may be a symptom of a more serious problem such as sleep apnea. Symptoms that can be seen with snoring are as follows:
- Noisy and irregular snoring: Usually noticed by spouses or roommates.
- Dry mouth and sore throat: Dryness in the mouth may be felt in the morning as a result of breathing in the mouth.
- Weakness and fatigue during the day: Energy levels may decrease due to the decrease in sleep quality.
- Often waking up or restless sleep: Even if the person does not notice, he can often wake up due to respiratory problems during the night.
- Headaches: Waking up with headache in the morning can be caused by a lack of oxygen.
- Concentration and attention deficit: Low sleep quality can cause a decrease in cognitive functions.
- Shortness of breath or sudden awakening at night: Sleep apnea may be associated with.
- Frequent urination at night: When sleep is divided, urine production may increase in the body.
- Heart palpitations and high blood pressure risk: Long -term snoring and sleep apnea may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Division of the sleep of your spouse or roommate: The social effects of snoring should also be considered.
How is snoring diagnosed?
The diagnosis of snoring begins with the observations of the patient and those around him. The noisy and irregular snoring reported by the spouse or roommate, the feeling of fatigue in the morning and the drowsiness during the day are important clues to assess whether snoring is a health problem. The doctor examines the patient’s medical background and evaluates factors such as weight condition, sleep patterns and nasal congestion. In order to determine the underlying causes of snoring, an examination of the otorhinolaryngology, nose and throat structure, sleep tests (polysomnography) or respiratory tract scans can be performed. In particular, if there is suspicion of sleep apnea, the polysomnography test can be diagnosed by measuring respiratory pauses and oxygen levels during sleep by the polysomnography test.
How to treat snoring?
Snoring treatment is planned due to the factors that cause snoring. In mild and occasional snoring cases, lifestyle changes, correction of the sleeping position, methods such as weight loss may be sufficient. If snoring occurs due to nasal blockages or respiratory shrinks, nasal operating sprays or devices that help to open respiratory tract can be used. Intra -oral apparatus can open the airway by gently draw the lower jaw forward and reduce snoring. In more serious cases, the use of CPAP device (continuous positive airline pressure device) is recommended especially in cases of snoring in cases of sleep apnea. Surgical interventions can be applied to structural problems such as nasal curvature (septum deviation), tonsil growth or soft palate sagging.
How does snoring pass?
In order to reduce or completely eliminate the problem, the factors that cause snoring should be identified and appropriate solutions should be applied. Getting rid of excess weight may prevent the airway from narrowing, especially by reducing the lubrication around the neck. Instead of sleeping on your back, lying side by side can prevent the tongue from slipping back and blockage of the airway. It can reduce snoring by preventing inflammation of the respiratory tract. If there are nasal blockages, nasal opener sprays or salt water solutions can be used. Using an intra -oral apparatus or nasal bands during sleep can prevent snoring by opening the airway. If snoring is associated with sleep apnea, further treatment methods such as use of CPAP device or surgical intervention may be required.
