What is Snoring?
Snoring is a frequently disturbing sound caused by narrowing and vibration in the upper respiratory tract during sleep. Generally, narrowing or obstruction in the airways causes snoring.
Snoring can become a social problem that can be seen in individuals of all ages and sometimes affects people around them. At the same time, snoring should be carefully evaluated as an indicator of health; because it can sometimes be a sign of serious underlying health problems.
What are the causes of snoring?
Snoring can occur due to many factors. Although these factors vary from person to person, some common causes are as follows:
- Excess Weight: Fat in the neck and throat area can cause narrowing of the respiratory tract and snoring.
- Sleeping Position: Lying on your back can increase snoring by causing the tongue to slide backwards and block the airway.
- Alcohol and Sedating Drugs: Alcohol and some drugs relax the throat muscles and can cause the airway to narrow.
- Tonsil or Adenoid Enlargement: It is one of the main causes of snoring, especially in children, and causes narrowing of the respiratory tract.
- Age: As we get older, muscle tone decreases, which can increase the risk of snoring.
- Nasal Congestion: Colds, allergies, or abnormalities in the structure of the nose can also cause snoring.
Is There a Relationship Between Snoring and Sleep Apnea?
Snoring can sometimes be a symptom of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing is interrupted for short periods of time during sleep, and snoring is a common symptom. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and depression. For this reason, it is very important for people who snore constantly to consult a specialist to investigate the underlying causes of snoring.
What are the Diagnostic Methods of Snoring?
Dr. Gökçen Hatipoğlu uses the following diagnostic methods to determine the causes of snoring and plan appropriate treatment in his office on Bağdat Street, Istanbul:
- Diagnosis of Snoring with Sleep Test (Polysomnography)
By measuring brain waves, respiratory rate, oxygen level and body movements during sleep, the severity of snoring and accompanying problems such as sleep apnea are evaluated.
- Diagnosis of Snoring with Snoring and Sleep Apnea Questionnaires
Questionnaires containing information such as the patient’s sleeping habits and frequency of snoring provide important data in the diagnosis process.
- Diagnosis of Snoring Using Physical Examination and Imaging Methods
Examination of the nose, throat and respiratory tract; A physical examination may be performed to evaluate the presence of tonsillar enlargement or structural disorders. If necessary, detailed evaluation is provided through endoscopic examinations.
How to Treat Snoring?
Snoring can reduce a person’s quality of life and can also be a symptom of health problems. Therefore, snoring treatment is planned individually. Dr. Gökçen Hatipoğlu uses the following methods in the treatment of snoring:
- Snoring Treatment with Lifestyle Changes
In the treatment of snoring, lifestyle changes such as losing weight, limiting alcohol use and changing sleeping position can help reduce snoring.
- Snoring Treatment with Position Therapy
Sleeping on your back can increase snoring. In the treatment of snoring, using pillows or devices that encourage side sleeping can reduce snoring.
- Snoring Treatment with Oral Appliances
Intraoral appliances specially prepared by the dentist can open the respiratory tract by allowing the lower jaw to slide forward. These devices can be especially effective in obstructive snoring.
- Snoring Treatment with CPAP Device
In snoring related to sleep apnea, the CPAP device prevents snoring and apnea attacks by keeping the airway constantly open.
- Snoring Treatment with Surgical Interventions
Surgical intervention may be required in patients who do not respond to other treatments or who snore due to anatomical disorders such as enlarged tonsils and adenoids. Surgical procedures may be performed on the nose or throat to widen the respiratory tract.
Suggestions for Those with Snoring Problems
Individuals with snoring problems can improve their sleep quality by following the suggestions below:
- Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Losing excess weight can reduce snoring.
- Avoiding Alcohol and Drugs: Avoiding alcohol and muscle relaxants at least 3-4 hours before bedtime can be effective in reducing snoring.
- Relieve Nasal Congestion: Nasal strips or saline nasal sprays can be used to relieve nasal congestion caused by colds or allergies.
Snoring is not just a nuisance to the environment, it can be an important warning signal that can affect a person’s health. It is important for individuals who have snoring problems to consult a specialist to determine the underlying causes of this condition.
Specialist Neurologist Gökçen Hatipoğlu offers personalized diagnosis and treatment services to her patients with her experience in snoring and sleep disorders in her private neurology practice on Bağdat Street, Istanbul.
This article raises readers’ awareness about sleeping disorders and helps Dr. It has been prepared to introduce Gökçen Hatipoğlu’s approach to the problem of snoring and to inform the readers. You too; If you are experiencing problems such as insomnia, sleepiness, Sleep Apnea and Snoring, consult Sleep Doctor Specialist. Dr. You can make an appointment at Gökçen Hatipoğlu clinic.