About this topic
Snoring is the noisy breathing that happens during sleep. Soft tissue in the back of the mouth, nose, and throat may vibrate when you breathe in and out while sleeping. You may snore every time you sleep or just once in a while. Snoring may mean you have a health problem. It is common among adults. Kids and teens may also snore. ‚
What are the causes?
Snoring may be caused by something simple like a stuffy nose. Being overweight may also cause you to snore. So can having large tonsils or swelling in the roof of your mouth. If you have a condition called sleep apnea, you are more likely to snore. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
Men are more likely to snore than women are. If you drink beer, wine, or liquor or smoke, you are at a higher risk for snoring. Taking drugs to help you sleep also raises your risk. People with nose problems like a blockage in the nose or nasal polyps are more likely to snore. ‚
What are the main signs?
If you snore you are also more likely to have: ‚
- Sore throat
- Restless sleep
- Choking at night or while sleeping
- High blood pressure
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
- Your doctor may send you to an ear, nose, and throat expert. This is an otolaryngologist who is skilled at treating this condition.
- The doctor will take your history and look at your mouth and throat. The doctor may feel your jaw, neck, and throat for lumps or swollen parts. The doctor may listen to your breathing.
- Your doctor may order some tests to look at parts inside your mouth, throat, and chest. Tests may include:
- X-ray test
- CT or MRI scan
- Sleep study ¢ ˆ ’ It watches your brain function, eye movement, muscular activity, and heart rhythm while sleeping. This test is done in severe cases of snoring.
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
The doctor may suggest some lifestyle changes to improve your condition. If snoring continues, you may need: ‚
- Oral devices or implants ¢ ˆ ’ These will help prevent your tongue or other loose muscles in your mouth from falling back. Then, they will not block your airway while sleeping.
- Continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) therapy ¢ ˆ ’ You will wear a nasal mask while you sleep. This mask is connected to a pump that will push air through your airway to keep it clear and open.
- Surgery to:
- Remove or repair the palate or tonsils
- Implant a device that will tighten the muscles of the soft palate. This will help reduce snoring.
Are there other health problems to treat?
Your doctor may order drugs to treat a stuffy nose. You may need special tools to help treat sleep apnea. ‚
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Keep a healthy weight. If you are overweight, exercise regularly to lose some weight. It may decrease tissue, widen your nasal passages, and allow more air to flow through your nose.
- Sleep on your side instead of on your back. This will help keep your throat open.
- You may use nasal strips to help your breathing.
- Avoid eating big meals during dinner. A big belly can make breathing troublesome while you sleep.
- Do not smoke or drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol). These tend to make snoring worse.
- Do not take any drugs to help you sleep. These tend to make snoring worse.
- Make bed partner aware of your condition. Let them know how to help if you have an episode where you stop breathing.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Otolaryngology ¢ ˆ ’ Head and Neck Surgery ‚
http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/snoring.cfm ‚
American Rhinologic Society ‚
http://care.american-rhinologic.org/snoring_nasal_congestion ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/snoring/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚