3 Important Things Everyone Should Know About Snoring

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Snoring is a sound resulting from turbulent airflow that causes tissues within the airways of the nose and throat to vibrate during sleep. In some cases, snoring is harmless and discreet, but sometimes it can be a sign of a more serious problem. Below is some useful information about snoring that everyone should know. 

1. What are the Causes of Snoring? 

1. Nasal Congestion

In order to properly breathe we need to breathe through the nose. When your nose is clogged you breathe through the mouth which often results in snoring. Stuffy nose is usually caused by: 

• Allergies

• Weather and pollution

• Colds

• Nasal sprays

• Hormonal fluctuations

• Alcohol 

• Certain medications

Medication can treat your nasal congestion. You should choose medications depending on the cause of nasal congestion. Keep in mind that frequent usage of certain medications for stuffy nose, for example, vasoconstrictive drops may be dangerous. If you experience nasal congestion for more than a week and can’t breathe through the nose without using medications, visit a doctor.    

2. Deviated nasal septum

A deviated septum between two nostrils can block one nostril and reduce airflow which can lead to difficulty breathing. This condition can also cause facial pain and nosebleeds. A deviated septum can occur due to an injury to the nose, during childbirth or aging. The only way to get rid of this problem is rhinoplasty. 

3. Tonsil inflammation

Tonsil inflammation or tonsillitis is a condition caused by infection with a common virus. It’s often accompanied by sore throat, swollen tonsils, bad breath, and difficulty swallowing as well as snoring. Treatment options depend on the cause of tonsillitis. If you experience drooling and extreme difficulty swallowing and breathing, get immediate care. 

3. Certain Medications 

Such medications as sleeping pills, sedatives, myorelaxants, and antidepressants can decrease tongue and throat muscle tone which results in snoring. If you notice the link between your snoring and taking certain drugs, tell your doctor and change medications. 

2. How to Get Rid of Snoring? 

Here is a 6-step checklist to get rid of snoring: 

• Learn how to sleep on your side

• Don’t drink alcohol before bed 

• Maintain a healthy weight 

• Always break a fever and don’t ignore the chronic respiratory disease 

• Visit your dentist, therapist, and laryngologist in order to find the cause of your snoring and get proper treatment 

3. What Are the Health Risks of Snoring? 

Long-term snoring often leads to apnea and increases the risk of stroke, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and high blood pressure. 

Apnea is a quite dangerous condition in which breathing is interrupted during sleep. Muscle tone decreases and a person stops breathing for more than 10 seconds. A person with apnea often experiences difficulty falling asleep since the brain receives a signal about a lack of oxygen, trying to wake you up. Below are the main symptoms of apnea: 

• Insomnia

• Excessive daytime sleepiness or hypersomnia

• Awakening with a very dry mouth 

• Frequent headaches 

• Loud snoring 

• Mood changes including irritability and depression 

• Lack of energy during the day 

Sleep apnea is a dangerous but fortunately treatable condition. Treatment options often include weight loss, lifestyle changes, giving up alcohol and smoking, and changing sleep positions in order to improve breathing. In severe cases, a CPAP machine (a machine that helps breathe more easily and regularly every night during sleeping) or surgery is required.