subject: Can Snoring Really Damage Your Health? [print this page] Can Snoring Really Damage Your Health? Can Snoring Really Damage Your Health?
Almost half the adult population snorer at some time, with almost 25 percent of the population snoring habitually. Men snore more than women, and if you are overweight or an older person, you snoring risk increases considerably.
Obstruction of the breathing passage is what causes snoring. IT should therefore, be thoroughly investigated to make sure that there is not a serious underlying problem. A specialist will be able to make a determination on the seriousness of the problem, and to help you deal with it effectively.
What Causes Snoring?
When the oral and nasal airways become obstructed, the free flow of air is hindered, and a snoring noise can occur. When the soft tissues of the tongue and soft palate collapse the airway becomes obstructed. The structures actually vibrate, and this striking together is what causes the snoring sound.
If your child snores, you may want to get their tonsils and adenoids checked, as snoring can be a sign of problems in these areas.
Snorers may experience these problems:
A throat and tongue with poor muscle tone. When the tongue and throat muscles are over relaxed, they can fall backwards and block the airway. Alcohol can make situation worse. Very deep sleep can cause a similar situation.
Bulkiness of throat tissues can also be a factor. Children with large adenoids and tonsils can also become snorers. Excessively bulky neck tissues can often be a problem for the severely overweight. Cysts can also cause too much neck bulk, but these causes are far rarer.
Extended uvula or soft palate. The opening from the nose to the throat is narrowed when the plate is longer than it should be. It can act a bit like a fluttering valve, dangling and causing a noise whilst the patient breathes. The longer the uvula, the worse the situation can be.
Obstruction of the nasal passages. If you suffer from a stuffy nose, more effort is often required to get the required amount of air through. A vacuum can be created in the throat area which results in a pulling of the dangling soft tissues, and ultimately, a lot more snoring. If you are affected by nasal congestion, seasonal pollen and common colds may be the only time you suffer from snoring.
A nasal deformity of the nasal passage, such as the deviated septum, can be enough to cause snoring.
It's definitely worth getting the opinion of your doctor if you think and of these problems is affecting you or your family.
