Understanding The Snoring Problem

Snoring is a natural phenomenon, and almost everyone snores occasionally, including beloved pet or a baby. Few simple changes in the lifestyle such as changing the eating pattern, losing weight, avoiding alcohol at bedtime, and getting more exercise during the day can sometimes lessen or eradicate the problem of snoring. 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. Snoring can be indication of sleep apnea, a chronic breathing disorder.

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. Primary snoring is not associated with upper airway resistance, obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia and other sleep disorders. Through evaluation of the snoring problem requires taking inputs from family members or bed partners, and performing physical examination. If the person snores in all sleeping positions, the snoring is severe and requires through examination and comprehensive treatment.

Witnessed apnea or gasping by the bed partner may suggest heart problems or breathing problem like sleep apnea. With the age, the throat becomes narrower, and muscle tone in the throat decreases. The problem of snoring is usually a problem for a roommate or bed partner, hence successful treatment should include achieving good night’s sleep for them as well. If you snore mildly while sleeping on your back, try sleeping on your side, as this might cure the snoring altogether.

Elevating the head few inches while sleeping makes the breathing easier, and encourages the jaw and tongue to move forward. Alcohol and few medications can increase the relaxation of tongue muscles increasing the chances of snoring. For a person with narrow nasal passages, snoring can be reduced with the help of nasal devices or medications. CPAP is a device that provides constant, increased air pressure, and prevents narrowing of airways during inspiration and expiration.

Continuous positive airway pressure and dental appliances are alternative options that can help reduce or eliminate snoring. Certain surgeries including Thermal Ablation Palatoplasty, Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy increase the size of the airway by surgically removing the tissues. With so many treatment options available, there is no need to suffer and getting the timely help can help save the relationships.