SnoringMichael Jubinville, MPH DefinitionSnoring is a sound made during sleep. It's the sound of the throat vibrating as air flows through it.
CausesAir should be able to move freely through your mouth, nose, and throat. At times during sleep, air doesn't move as freely as it should. Turbulent air makes the roof of the mouth vibrate. This is what causes the snoring sound. Smaller airways can lead to louder snoring. Airflow may be obstructed by:
Risk FactorsSnoring is more common in men, mainly in those aged 50 years and older. Your chances are also higher for:
SymptomsThe main sign of snoring is noisy breathing during sleep. When Should I Call My Doctor?Ask your partner about your snoring patterns. Talk to your doctor if you have regular snoring that is bothering you or your partner. This is mainly true with sleep apnea symptoms such as gasping for air or having problems getting through the day because you're too tired. If your child is snoring regularly, talk to their doctor. DiagnosisYou will be asked about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. Your doctor will check the throat, neck, mouth, and nose. Tests may include a sleep study in a laboratory to determine how much the storing is disrupting your sleep. TreatmentLifestyle changes may relieve symptoms. More severe cases may require surgery or devices. Lifestyle ChangesChanges that may help stop snoring:
Your doctor may advise using a special mouthpiece. This will hold the soft palate and tongue in place. It may help you breathe better. SurgerySurgery may be done to remove excess tissue in the nose or throat. A laser or scalpel will remove the tissue that's blocking the airway. Laser surgery may be needed a few times. These are mainly reserved for severe and disruptive cases of snoring. Another procedure is used to try to stiffen the roof of the mouth. PreventionTo help lower your chances of snoring:
RESOURCES:American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery https://www.entnet.org National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES:Better Sleep Council Canada http://www.bettersleep.ca Canadian Sleep Society https://css-scs.ca References:How to stop snoring. Helpguide website. Available at: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/sleep/snoring-tips-to-help-you-and-your-partner-sleep-better.htm. Accessed September 25, 2020. Snoring. Kids Health—Nemours Foundation website. Available at:
https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/snoring.html. Accessed September 25, 2020. Snoring and sleep. National Sleep Foundation website. Available at: https://sleepfoundation.org/sleep-disorders-problems/other-sleep-disorders/snoring. Accessed September 25, 2020. Snoring and sleep apnea.
American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery website. Available at:
https://www.entnet.org//content/snoring-and-sleep-apnea. Accessed September 25, 2020. Last reviewed September 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Last Updated: 9/25/2020 |
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