😴 Snoring
Snoring is the noisy breathing sound that occurs during sleep when airflow causes tissues in the throat to vibrate.
🧬 Causes:
- Relaxation of throat muscles during sleep
- Obstruction or narrowing of the airway (due to excess tissue, enlarged tonsils, or nasal congestion)
- Obesity and excess weight around the neck
- Alcohol or sedative use before sleep
- Sleeping on the back
- Nasal problems like a deviated septum or allergies
- Age-related changes causing airway narrowing
🩺 Symptoms:
- Loud, harsh breathing sounds during sleep
- Interrupted sleep or frequent awakenings
- Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
- Dry mouth or sore throat in the morning
- Observed pauses in breathing (possible sleep apnea)
🔍 Diagnosis:
- Sleep study (polysomnography) to evaluate breathing and detect sleep apnea
- Medical history and physical exam
- Evaluation of nasal passages and throat
💊 Treatment:
- Lifestyle changes: weight loss, avoiding alcohol, sleep position changes
- Nasal strips or sprays to open nasal passages
- Oral appliances to keep airway open
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) for obstructive sleep apnea
- Surgery in select cases to remove tissue or correct anatomical issues
⚠️ Complications:
- Sleep apnea leading to heart problems, high blood pressure, and daytime fatigue
- Poor quality of life due to disrupted sleep