Snoring

What is the impact of untreated snoring?

Although snoring is very common, it can cause significant relationship problems for couples who live together. The partner of a snorer loses an average of an hour of sleep per night, and many couples in which one member snores report decreased intimacy and satisfaction in their marriage. Additionally, snoring can disrupt restful sleep for the snorer.

What causes snoring?

Snoring occurs when air passing through narrowed airways vibrates and creates noise. The sleep cycle, sleeping position, and use of alcohol and medications can contribute to snoring. The most common causes include:

• Allergies or sinus infection, which can cause inflammation, narrowed passageways, and snoring
• Relaxed muscles in the throat and tongue: Sometimes resulting from drug or alcohol use
• Enlarged adenoids and tonsils
• Excess weight: Which can cause bulk in the throat
• A long uvula

Men and those who are overweight are more likely to snore.

Can snoring cause serious health problems?

Those who snore consistently — almost every night or every night — experience frequent waking at night, inability to sleep deeply, and daytime fatigue. Snorers are also at increased risk of sleep apnea — pauses in breathing during sleep — which puts the patient at high risk of many health problems, including:

• High blood pressure
• Low levels of oxygen in the blood
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Obesity
• Headaches

How is snoring treated?

There are a variety of methods doctors use to alleviate snoring in patients. Some patients find relief with a single treatment option while other patients require a combination or an escalation of treatment methods. These options include:

• Lifestyle changes: Including sleeping in a different position, avoiding allergens, etc.
• Oral or nasal appliances: Opening passageways to allow adequate airflow during sleep
• Continuous positive airway pressure appliance (CPAP): Uses air pressure to keep the throat open
• Medications: To treat sinus infection or allergies
• Surgery: To remove excess tissue and open the airway

CPAP is considered the treatment of choice for sleep apnea, but only a qualified doctor can determine the right treatment for each individual patient.

Who treats snoring?

An otolaryngologist (ENT), also called an ear, nose, and throat doctor, treats snoring and problems related to snoring.