Health A-Z

Snoring is a common condition that occurs when the flow of air through the mouth and nose is partially obstructed during sleep. It's often caused by the vibration of tissues in the throat as you breathe. While occasional snoring is usually not a concern, chronic snoring can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to more serious health problems over time.

1. Loud, frequent snoring
2. Gasping or choking sounds during sleep
3. Daytime sleepiness and fatigue
4. Difficulty concentrating
5. Sore throat or dry mouth upon waking
6. Restless sleep
7. Witnessed episodes of pauses in breathing (apnea)

1. Lifestyle Changes: Losing weight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime, sleeping on your side rather than your back, and maintaining a regular sleep schedule can reduce snoring.
2. CPAP Therapy: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. It involves wearing a mask connected to a machine that delivers a continuous stream of air to keep the airway open during sleep.
3. Oral Appliances: These devices are worn in the mouth during sleep to reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open.
4. Surgery: In severe cases or when other treatments fail, surgery may be recommended to remove excess tissue in the throat, correct structural abnormalities, or implant devices to keep the airway open.

1. Clinical Evaluation: A doctor may start by discussing your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors that may contribute to snoring. They might also ask your partner about your sleep patterns and behaviors.
2. Physical Examination: A thorough examination of your mouth, throat, and neck can help identify any physical factors contributing to snoring, such as enlarged tonsils, a deviated septum, or excess tissue in the throat.
3. Sleep Study (Polysomnography): This test is usually conducted in a sleep center and monitors various body functions during sleep, including brain activity, eye movement, muscle activity, heart rate, respiratory effort, air flow, and blood oxygen levels. It helps diagnose sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.
4. Home Sleep Test (HST): In some cases, a simplified version of a sleep study can be done at home. It typically measures breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and heart rate during sleep.