Who Snores and WhySurprisingly, almost half of us snore. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, 45% of normal adults are occasional snorers. Habitual or problem snorers account for 25%, the Academy reports, and these are the individuals who tend to have underlying sleep disorders. If you are male and overweight, chances are you are more likely to develop a habitual snoring problem that will grow worse with age.
Most often the cause of snoring is simple:Obstruction to the flow of air through the nose as seen with a deviated nasal septum, enlarged nasal turbinates, or polyps can cause snoring.Also, redundant tissue at the back of the mouth and nose can cause an interruption to the free flow of air through these passages. A long palate and uvula are usually the culprits.
At the end of the roof of the mouth, the soft tissue of the palate spans across the back of the throat and separates it from the opening to the nose. Attached to its end is the “bell” like uvula. As those structures dangle in the airway, they can vibrate particularly during the relaxed state of sleep causing the irritating and disturbing noises of snoring.
If noisy breathing proves to be the only problem, simple and quick new procedures are proving to be effective cures. Unfortunately, not all snoring problems are simple and doctors need to rule out more dangerous sleep disorders including sleep apnea.
Snoring can be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) which disrupts breathing and poses a risk to life. An initial screening from taking of an in-depth medical history accompanied by a physical examination.
History taking is aided by questioning the snorer’s bed partner. Items explored include the patient’s medical condition and the medications being taken, weight gain, alcohol intake, and sleeping position. Daytime sleepiness is also explored. The degree and type of snoring are detailed to determine the severity of the problem and to look for sleep apnea. The physical examination will also include a detailed ear, nose, and throat exam to look for contributing nasal conditions, the shape of the palate, and the voice box. This usually includes an endoscopic view of the nose, pharynx, and larynx.
Based on the exam results, some snorers may be referred for further evaluation with a sleep study. While patients sleep, a painless polysomnogram test monitors their brain waves, breathing patterns, heart rate, oxygen level, and muscle movements.
In the event that sleep apnea is diagnosed, appropriate treatment can be planned. This starts by avoiding causative factors such as alcohol, sedatives or heavy meals late in the day. It may involve weight loss and techniques to change the snorer’s sleeping position. The use of oral devices may be tried to keep the airway open. It will also include the use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP).