Snoring
What causes snoring? Everything about the triggers, risks, and treatments for this disorder.
Symptoms and Causes
Snoring is the noise produced when air passes through the throat during sleep, caused by an obstruction at the back of the mouth or nose, which causes the soft palate tissues to vibrate.
There are many circumstances that contribute to snoring, such as genetic predisposition, physical characteristics, or lifestyle. According to studies, the prevalence of snoring is very high. It is estimated that between 10% and 12% of children snore, as well as 40% of men aged 30 to 40 and 50% of men aged 50 to 60.
Almost everyone snores at some point, especially when they have a cold, sleep on their back, or consume alcohol. The problem arises when it occurs chronically or in any sleeping position, which requires a thorough evaluation.
Symptoms
The main symptom of snoring is the noise made while breathing during sleep, which may be accompanied by:
- Breathing pauses
- Morning headaches and sore throat
- Restless sleep
- Daytime drowsiness
- Lack of concentration
- Frequent awakenings
Causes
The causes of snoring are varied and determine its severity:
- Colds
- Allergies
- Alcohol consumption
- Obesity and excess fat around the neck
- Narrow airways due to a low and thick soft palate or an excessively long uvula
- Deviated nasal septum
- Sleeping on the back (supine position)
Risk Factors
The most significant risk factors for snoring are:
- Gender: Snoring affects men more than women.
- Overweight
- Family history, as there is a genetic predisposition
- Obstructive sleep apnea: Snoring occurs when the airways are blocked.
- Alcoholism
- Physical abnormalities such as a deviated nasal septum, low muscle tone in the throat, a large tongue, or narrowing of the airways
- Pregnancy and menopause, due to hormonal changes affecting muscles and soft tissues
Complications
Mild and occasional snoring is not serious, so it does not cause more complications than disturbing the sleep of others. When snoring becomes chronic, especially if caused by obstructive sleep apnea, it can lead to:
- Lack of concentration
- Daytime sleepiness
- Irritability
- Behavioral, learning, or work performance issues
- Cardiovascular conditions like hypertension or stroke
Prevention
Snoring caused by physical abnormalities, obstructive sleep apnea, or other medical conditions cannot be prevented. To avoid other cases, it is recommended to:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Sleep on your side
- Reduce alcohol consumption
- Quit smoking
- Clear nasal passages before bedtime
- Avoid heavy meals before bed
- Drink enough water throughout the day to keep the throat hydrated
What Doctor Treats Snoring?
Specialists in the sleep unit, ENT doctors, and maxillofacial surgeons diagnose and treat snoring. In mild cases, pediatricians or family doctors handle the follow-up.
Diagnosis
Snoring is diagnosed by analyzing the medical history and symptoms reported by the patient or their companions. To determine the cause and severity, several tests are performed:
- Physical examination of the nose and throat
- Evaluation of overall health and weight
- X-ray, CT scan, or MRI to examine the size of the airways and the condition of the nasal septum
- Polysomnography: A sleep study that monitors brain waves, heart rate, and oxygen levels in the blood. This test helps detect conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea or parasomnias that worsen snoring.
Treatment
Medical management of snoring varies based on its severity and the patient's characteristics.
Home remedies to stop snoring are effective in mild cases:
- Maintaining good sleep hygiene, especially having a fixed bedtime schedule
- Losing weight
- Avoiding sleeping on your back
- Reducing alcohol consumption
- Eating light dinners
- Following a treatment for allergies or nasal congestion
- Using nasal strips to aid breathing
For chronic snoring accompanied by obstructive sleep apnea, the following treatments are recommended:
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): This is the most common treatment, though it can be uncomfortable and thus less effective. It involves a device that fits over the nose or mouth and keeps the airways open by providing a constant, gentle stream of air.
- Mandibular advancement devices: This device gently moves the lower jaw forward to prevent the collapse of the upper airway.
- Surgery: Surgery is reserved for severe cases that do not respond to the above treatments. Types of surgery include:
- Septoplasty: Corrects a deviated nasal septum
- Coblation: Reduces the tissue in the palate that obstructs airflow
- Uvuloplasty: Reduces the size of the uvula
In snoring children who also have apnea pauses, it may be necessary to remove the tonsils and adenoids.
