Snoring

One of the most common questions I am asked is if snoring is something to be worried about. While light snoring is rarely an indication of a more serious problem, heavy snoring is definitely something that requires more investigation.

Snoring is caused by blockage or narrowing of the airway, which causes the soft palate and tissues of the throat to vibrate, creating the snoring sound. Typically the more the airway is obstructed, the louder the snoring is. In the worst cases, obstruction can be severe enough to block air passage into the lungs causing a condition known as sleep apnea. When this occurs, oxygen supply drops which not only stresses the heart, but also interrupts sleep, which further stresses the body. In adults, sleep apnea often leads to chronic fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and over time an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. In children it can cause fatigue, bedwetting, attention deficit disorder, and impaired growth.

The first thing I ask is if anyone can watch the person snoring to see if they have periods where they stop breathing in their sleep. If this occurs in adults, you should see your doctor to consider a sleep study, which actually measures the severity of the problem. Children should see their primary doctor or an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist. While nasal blockage from allergy and other problems can be a major factor in all ages, children especially often have enlarged tonsils and adenoids causing the problem. Removal of enlarged tonsils and adenoids in children almost always cures the problem and often improves bedwetting, attention deficit disorder and leads to increased growth. Nasal blockage is usually treated medically, but some adults may require nasal surgery. Sleep apnea in adults is usually treated with a CPAP breathing machine with excellent results.

Snoring is usually made worse by any substance causing sedation such as alcohol and some medications. Weight gain is a major factor worsening snoring and sometimes losing only five or ten pounds provides major improvement in overweight adults.

Snoring in adults can also usually be controlled with surgery to tighten to soft palate. In all cases, loud snoring can be a problem for those trying to sleep with someone who snores. A good night’s sleep is important for good health (and good marriages) so if you have a problem, ask your doctor for advice. Helpful websites include www.entnet.org and www.talkaboutsleep.com.
 

Dr. Chuck Guice