Snoring or Stertor is the noise created from vibrations created by air that is forced through the small opening in the back of the throat. Few simple changes in the lifestyle such as changing the eating pattern, losing weight, avoiding alcohol at bedtime, and getting more exercise during the day can sometimes lessen or eradicate the problem of snoring. Snoring can also get in the way of healthy relationship with the spouse or a partner. Snoring can be indication of sleep apnea, a chronic breathing disorder.
Snoring can be an indication of more serious underlying health problem, and people who snore regularly must be evaluated to ensure that there is no other health issue. Snoring can be a symptom of sleep apnea which is a potentially life-threatening condition. A cleft palate, a narrow throat, enlarged adenoids and other physical attributes that cause snoring can be hereditary. If the person snores in all sleeping positions, the snoring is severe and requires through examination and comprehensive treatment.
Witnessed apnea or gasping by the bed partner may suggest heart problems or breathing problem like sleep apnea. With the age, the throat becomes narrower, and muscle tone in the throat decreases. Losing weight is usually quite an effective cure for moderate snoring, and even the slight weight loss can reduce the fatty tissues in the back of throat, that helps to reduce snoring. Snoring can disrupt a good night sleep, and cause friction in healthy relationships with partner or spouse.
Mild snoring not related to sleep apnea can be cured with the help of home remedies, and can result in improved quality of life. Alcohol and few medications can increase the relaxation of tongue muscles increasing the chances of snoring. For a person with narrow nasal passages, snoring can be reduced with the help of nasal devices or medications. If nothing seems to be working to help you reduce snoring, you will have to consult and otolaryngologist, and if you want to try the dental appliance, you will have to see the dentist specializing in these devices.
Continuous positive airway pressure and dental appliances are alternative options that can help reduce or eliminate snoring. Oral devices, dental appliances and lower jaw positioners can be used to reduce snoring, and a dentist specializing in sleep disorder can fit one of these devices for you. Palatal implantation is a new surgical procedure that has shown promising results where small plastic implants are inserted into the soft palate using a small instrument.
