Snoring

Snoring is an acoustic phenomenon involving the production of characteristic low-pitched sounds during sleep. These sounds are caused by the vibration of flaccid tissues of the upper respiratory tract, such as the soft palate, uvula and pharyngeal walls. The problem affects both men and women, although statistically it is more common in men and increases with age. The problem of snoring not only causes breathing disorders during sleep. Untreated snoring at night can bring serious health consequences to the person who snores, such as the development of vascular and cardiac diseases.

What causes snoring at night? Causes

Snoring is a nuisance, a sleep that does not give rest, but also a danger for the person who snores. This problem can be caused by many factors, both structural and functional. The most common causes of snoring include:

• Anatomy of the upper respiratory tract - Excessive tissue in the soft palate, enlarged palatine tonsils or hypertrophy of the tongue can impede the free flow of air.
• Overweight and obesity - Excess fat around the neck causes narrowing of the airways.
• Nasal abnormalities - A crooked nasal septum, nasal polyps or chronic rhinitis can cause nasal obstruction and interfere with breathing.
• Throat muscle relaxation - increased muscle relaxation, especially during sleep, can lead to muscle collapse and induce twitching.
• External factors - Alcohol consumption, smoking, taking certain sleep medications or sleeping on the back also increase the risk of snoring.

Diagnosis of the causes of snoring may require a visit to an ENT doctor and a number of tests. How to treat snoring?

Ways to cure snoring

Treatment of snoring depends on its cause and severity. The most common methods of coping include:

• Lifestyle changes - weight reduction, avoiding alcohol before bed and changing sleep position (e.g. sleeping on the side).
• Surgical treatment of snoring - In cases of severe structural abnormalities, surgical procedures such as septoplasty or removal of the tonsils may be considered.
• Breathing apparatuses - e.g. specialised CPAP masks, mainly used for patients with obstructive sleep apnoea.
• Myofunctional therapy and specialist orthodontic trainers.

Laser treatment of snoring

Modern medicine offers various non-invasive treatments to help reduce snoring and eliminate sleep apnoea episodes. One of these is an innovative method using laser treatment of snoring. This therapy involves using a laser beam to making throat tissues more flexible and increase the tension of the structures responsible for airflow. The procedure is painless, does not require anaesthesia and does not involve a period of convalescence.

Can snoring be dangerous?

Snoring is not a disease, but can be a symptom of more serious health problems such as obstructive sleep apnoea. This condition is characterised by periodic pauses in breathing during sleep, which can lead to hypoxia, sleep disorders and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, if you suffer from chronic and intractable snoring at night, it is advisable to consult a specialist.