Snoring is a sound phenomenon that occurs when the soft structures of the pharynx beat against each other against the background of the passage of a stream of air through the narrowed airways.
Causes of snoring
Anatomical disorders leading to narrowing of the airways:
- deviated septum
- congenital narrowness of the nasal passages and/or pharynx
- nasal polyps
- elongated uvula
- small, posteriorly displaced lower jaw (malocclusion)
- enlargement of the tonsils
- obesity
Functional factors and diseases that reduce the tone of the muscles of the pharynx:
- sleep itself (decrease in muscle tone)
- sleep deprivation and fatigue
- alcohol intake
- taking sleeping pills
- smoking
- Decreased thyroid function
- menopause in women
- aging
The main symptoms of snoring
Snoring, like a sound, is more of a social problem for others than for the person himself. However, snoring can be a harbinger and one of the main symptoms of a serious illness – sleep apnea disease or, in medical terms, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
Snoring treatment
In order to effectively deal with snoring, first of all, you will need to undergo a medical examination in order to accurately establish the root cause of this phenomenon. And only then proceed to action.
A universal way that would help all people get rid of snoring has not yet been invented.
Thus, specific treatment approaches should be determined by a qualified professional depending on the causes and severity of the condition.