Truth be told, snoring is one hell of a dreadful situation that many do no wish to have.
It has over time been grouped as one of the Sinus diseases;diseases that have causes an enormous public health issue.
Snoring is the hoarse or harsh sound that occurs when air flows past relaxed tissues in your throat, causing the tissues to vibrate as you breathe.
Nearly everyone snores now and then, but for some people it can be a chronic problem. Sometimes it may also indicate a serious health condition. In addition, snoring can be a nuisance to your partner, or bed mate.
Snoring can be caused by a number of factors, such as:
- The anatomy of your mouth and sinuses.
- Alcohol consumption.
- Allergies.
- A cold, and your weight.
When you doze off and progress from a light sleep to a deep sleep, the muscles in the roof of your mouth (soft palate), tongue and throat relax.
The tissues in your throat can relax enough that they partially block your airway and vibrate.
The more narrowed your airway, the more forceful the airflow becomes. This increases tissue vibration, which causes your snoring to grow louder.
The following conditions can affect the airway and cause snoring:
Your mouth anatomy.
Having a low, thick soft palate can narrow your airway. People who are overweight may have extra tissues in the back of their throats that may narrow their airways. Likewise, if the triangular piece of tissue hanging from the soft palate (uvula) is elongated, airflow can be obstructed and vibration increased.Alcohol consumption. Snoring can also be brought on by consuming too much alcohol before bedtime. Alcohol relaxes throat muscles and decreases your natural defenses against airway obstruction.
Nasal problems. Chronic nasal congestion or a crooked partition between your nostrils (deviated nasal septum) may contribute to your snoring.
Sleep deprivation. Not getting enough sleep can lead to further throat relaxation.
Sleep position. Snoring is typically most frequent and loudest when sleeping on the back as gravity's effect on the throat narrows the airway.
Risk factors that may contribute to snoring include:
- Being a man. Men are more likely to snore or have sleep apnea than are women.
- Being overweight. People who are overweight or obese are more likely to snore or have obstructive sleep apnea.
- Having a narrow airway. Some people may have a long soft palate, or large tonsils or adenoids, which can narrow the airway and cause snoring.
- Drinking alcohol. Alcohol relaxes your throat muscles, increasing the risk of snoring.
Having nasal problems. If you have a structural defect in your airway, such as a deviated septum, or your nose is chronically congested, your risk of snoring is greater. - Having a family history of snoring or obstructive sleep apnea. Heredity is a potential risk factor for OSA.
The goals for the treatment of snoring may be difficult to determine. The problem of snoring usually is a problem for the bed partner or roommate. Therefore, successful treatment should also include the goal of achieving a successful night's sleep for the bed partner or roommate. This makes treatment of snoring a challenge but here some measures to achieving it, asides any surgical options
Non-surgical treatments for snoring
The main categories of non-surgical treatment of snoring are:
- Behavioral changes
- Dental devices
- Nasal devices and medications
- Nasal CPAP
- Over-the-counter products
Snoring can be harmless, or it can be a sign of a serious medical disorder. All individuals who snore should consult with a medical or dental provider to help determine the underlying cause so that appropriate measures can be used to treat the snoring.
Even in the absence of a medical condition such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea OSA, snoring can be embarrassing and disruptive to the individual, the sleep partner and other members of the household. Considering snorers are three times more likely to develop adverse health conditions than non-snorers, treating snoring is a step in the right direction towards overall good health.
To say straight, avoid smoking.
Tobacco is an irritant that can result in tissue inflammation. Because the upper airway can be narrow to begin with, even small amounts of inflammation can restrict airflow.
I am a proud member of the Steemstem community, a mutual community where well written Science,Technology, Engineering and Mathematics posts are curated.