Snoring is the resulting sound which may be soft or loud and unpleasant caused due to obstructed air movement during breathing while sleeping.

Snoring increases as age increases. This was proven by an epidemiology study which stated that at least 30% of adults and perhaps as many as 50% of people in some demographics snore and one survey of 5,713 American residents identified habitual snoring in 24% of men and 13.8% of women, rising to 60% of men and 40% of women aged 60 to 65 years.

And it is believed that snoring during sleep may be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea(OSA). Men are more likely to snore than women, and overweight people snore more often than others,


Signs and symptoms

*Sleep deprivation
*Irritability
*Daytime drowsiness
*Decreased libido
*Lack of focus.
* Impairment of lifestyle

It can also cause psychological and social damage to sufferers.

And research have also revealed a positive correlation between loud snoring and risk of heart attack(about +34% chance) and stroke (about +67% chance) and Loud snoring have been associated with the development of carotid artery atherosclerosis.

Snoring vibrations are transmitted to the carotid artery, which causes snoring-associated carotid artery damage and atherosclerotic plaque development, atherosclerotic plaque rupture and ischemic stroke .


Causes of snoring

Snoring is caused by the constriction of the airway which is due to the following:

*.Throat weakness
*.Obesity
*.Sleep apnea
*.The coming in contact of the tissues at the top of airways
*.Obstruction in the nasal passageway
*.Alcohol
*.Sleeping on the back
*.Mispositioned jaw


Treatment

*.Lose weight(to stop fat from pressing on the throat)
*.Sleep on their side
*.Quit smoking(smoking weakens and clogs the throat)
*.Use nasal strip or nasal spray
*.Use anti-snore clothing and pillows
*.Use an oral appliances
*.Use didgeridoo ( it strengthens the tissues of the throat, and can also provide good exercise for the respiratory system)
*.Use Mandibular Advancement Splints ( an MAS advances the lower jaw slightly and thereby pull the tongue forward)
*.Use a continuous positive airway pressure machine(a CPAP helps to keep the airway open by pumps a controlled stream of air through a flexible hose to a mask worn over the nose or mouth)
*.Exercise Regularly (increases the muscle tone of the upper airway)

Also in an attempt to control snoring, one may have to consider surgery. Such surgical procedure include

*.Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): UPPP is an attempt to widen the airway by removing the uvula and pharyngeal arches and partial removing the soft palate.

This procedure is considered to be performed under general anaesthetic and it has an adverse side effect such as nasopharyngeal regurgitation, voice changes, persistent palatal dryness and a partial loss of taste.

*.Cautery-Assisted Palatal stiffening operation (CAPSO) or Palatal Stiffening: This procedure involves the burning out of the palate causing fibrosis and consequent stiffening of the soft palate. It also helps to remove the longitudinal strip of mucosa along the soft palate or uvula.

CAPSO can be continuous until the snoring stops.

*.Laser-Assisted Uvuloplatoplasty (LAUP): This procedure involves vaporising the free edge of the soft palate and uvula using a laser.

This procedure can be repeated the number of procedures varies. An LAUP patient may require up to four (4) sessions.

NOTE: The tonsils are not removed with this procedure and the post-operative pains may be severe.

*.Radio-Frequency Ablation (RFA): This Procedure involves the heating of the soft tissue between the rate of 77 °C and 85ºC which results to the tissue being scarred.

This procedure is usually carried out on an outpatient basis and it takes up to 20 minutes. However, RFA requires the patient to undergo several
treatment sessions.

*.Pillar Procedure: In this procedure small woven implants are placed in the soft palate, stiffening the palate and reducing vibration that can cause snoring.

This Procedure is said to be minimally invasive treatment for snoring and OSA and is done in less than 30 minutes.


Medication

The combination of pseudoephedrine and domperidone can help in the treatment of snoring.

Culled from [url]ihealthng..co.ke/2016/05/facts-about-snoring.html?m=1[/url]

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