Snoring is the loud noise that keeps you up at all hours of the night. The sound it makes varies from person to person, and it can be irritating for anyone who has to sleep around it. It is often caused by an obstruction in your airway that causes vibrations in the throat.

While some believe that snoring is a harmless thing that occurs in some people, that is not always the case. It can be a signal of an underlying health condition that needs to be assessed.

Causes of Snoring

Someone may start snoring for many different reasons. When the the tongue, soft palate, and throat are in a relaxed position while you are sleeping, they can cause an airway obstruction that leads to snoring. Airway obstructions can also be caused by allergies and having a cold.

Snoring is also often seen in people who are overweight and in women who are pregnant. Genetic factors can also contribute to problems that exacerbate one’s snoring issues such as excess throat tissue, large adenoids, enlarged tonsils, elongated soft palate, and a long uvula.

Alcohol consumption and smoking can make the throat muscles relaxed and cause snoring. Drinking a lot of alcohol, especially close to your sleeping time can increase your chances of snoring. The same goes for smoking. Smoking in general can lead to a number of bodily issues that can adversely affect your airway.

Snoring is also common in people with sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious medical condition in which the throat muscles can relax to the extent that you can temporarily stop breathing. This can cause sleep deprivation and affect different aspects of your daily life.

Treatment Options for Snoring

If you snore frequently and feel as if you are tired all the time, it is time for you to consult an experienced doctor to learn about what’s causing the issue and your potential treatment options.

Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and ask you questions about your medical history and medication use. If required, he may also order some tests to find out if the cause of your snoring is due to a deviated septum or other conditions.

Lifestyle or Behavioral Changes

If your snoring is due to excess weight, alcohol consumption or sleep positioning, your doctor will ask you to try to make adjustments in your day to day lifestyle to find out if any of those factors are causing you to snore. Sometimes all it takes are a few minor adjustments, and if it works out, you can avoid more extensive solutions.

Oral Appliance

If making a few lifestyle changes had no effect on your snoring habit, your doctor may recommend an oral appliance. This is device that you wear over your mouth. It can help prevent the narrowing of your airway and as a result, decreases the chances of you snoring.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

CPAP is another useful solution that involves the use of a pressurized mask while you are sleeping. You need to wear the mask over your nose. A pump attached to the device helps to keep the airway open by forcing air through it. CPAP is often the first line of treatment to cure snoring that occurs due to sleep apnea.

Contact Our Office

Snoring is an issue that a large population of people deal with on a daily basis. Whether it’s you or a loved one, it’s important to get it checked out because it can be a signal of something more severe. Contact The Snore Experts to learn more about the causes of snoring and how you can rid it from your life for good.