Snoring occurs when the airflow through the passages at the back of the mouth and nose is obstructed. The tongue, upper throat and soft palate come into contact with each other, causing a vibration that creates the loud snoring sounds, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO). A snorer can be the object of jokes, but when snoring disrupts sleeping patterns, treatment is necessary to avoid serious health problems.
Identification
An examination can determine if the snoring is caused by nasal allergy, infection, deformity, tonsils or adenoids. An otolaryngologist examines the nose, mouth, throat, palate and neck to see what treatment is needed, the AAO explains. Sometimes a study in a clinical environment is necessary to determine the seriousness of the snoring and its effects on health.
Significance
Heavy snorers should seek medical advice to make sure they are not suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, which interrupts breathing during sleep. Disrupted breathing episodes can last more than 10 seconds and can occur 30 to 300 times a night, according to the AAO. Sleep apnea reduces blood oxygen levels and makes the heart pump harder.
Considerations
Sometimes simple lifestyle changes can reduce or prevent minor snoring episodes. Lying on your side allows you to breath better. Lying on your back may cause your tongue to fall back into the throat, which narrows the airway and partially blocks breathing, the Mayo Clinic explains. Excess weight can put pressure on the throat and narrow the airways, causing the tissues to vibrate. Losing weight will help reduce snoring in many cases. Alcohol and sedatives can overly relax the muscles in the throat. The Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding alcohol at least four hours before sleeping and letting your doctor know you snore when sedatives are prescribed.
Types
Various products can work for some snorers. Adhesive nasal strips help prevent snoring by widening the nasal passage to provide better breathing. People with allergies are forced to breath through the mouth during allergic episodes. Decongestants can be used at these times to avoid snoring and increase breathing capacity at night. Dental mouthpieces help people with mild sleep apnea. The oral appliances can be custom-fitted by a dentist or orthodontist, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. The mouthpiece adjusts the lower jaw and the tongue to keep the airways open during sleep.
Function
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a breathing device that often works for people with severe sleep apnea. A mask fits gently over the mouth and nose. It is attached to a pump leading to a machine that gently blows air into the throat. CPAP is effective in eliminating snoring and preventing sleep apnea, but some people complain that it is uncomfortable, the Mayo Clinic says.
Prevention/Solution
Traditional surgery, called uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, trims and tightens excess tissues in the throat. Genioglossus and hyoid advancement prevents collapsing of the lower throat and pulls the tongue forward to open obstructed airways, according to the AAO. Laser surgery, called laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty, uses a laser beam to shorten the soft palate and the uvula, the small extension of the palate that hangs above the tongue at the throat's entrance. This helps reduce vibration, the Mayo Clinic says. Radiofrequency tissue ablation surgery uses low-intensity radiofrequency signals to remove a portion of the soft palate. It causes slight scarring to reduce episodes of snoring.
