Snoring Treatment
Ear Nose Throat Diseases
What is Snoring?
Snoring is the sound produced when breathing occurs in a narrow area during sleep. Narrowing of the airway can occur in the nose, throat, soft palate, uvula, base of the tongue, or any part of the windpipe due to various pathologies. Snoring is a significant problem that affects a person's health and social life. Initially, due to reduced sleep quality, symptoms such as fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and decreased work performance may develop. If left untreated, it can lead to more serious health problems, especially in the presence of sleep apnea, over time. Snoring can also cause social problems, especially in relationships, as it disrupts the partner's sleep quality.
If a person's breathing does not stop during sleep or if sleep is not interrupted, such snoring is considered simple snoring. Snoring of this type does not bother the individual, but the noise it produces may disturb those around them. Individuals with simple snoring usually seek medical attention at the insistence of their loved ones.
The complaint of snoring is approximately twice as common in men compared to women. The reason for this is the different distribution of fatty tissues in the body between men and women. Women tend to accumulate more fat in the hip and thigh areas, while men tend to accumulate it around the neck and abdomen. Especially in men with excess weight in the abdominal area, the excess fat on the diaphragm exerts more pressure than normal. This situation becomes more pronounced, especially when lying on the back. The increased pressure on the diaphragm increases the intrathoracic pressure, leading to the backward displacement of the tongue. Increased fat around the base of the tongue and the throat due to neck fat accumulation also causes narrowing of the airway. Additionally, the muscles and tissues around the throat relax in the supine position, further increasing the severity of snoring.
In women, complaints of snoring often occur more frequently during menopausal periods. This is because, with menopause, the muscle structure begins to resemble that of men, creating a predisposition for snoring. Beyond a certain point, the severity of snoring in women can be equal to that of men.
Causes of Snoring
Causes of snoring according to their importance
Excess weight is the most significant factor.
The lower jaw being positioned backward or being small.
The soft palate and uvula hanging down (elongation).
Large tonsils, although less common in adults, can contribute.
Deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps, or tumors, as well as nasal congestion.
Excessive fat accumulation at the base of the tongue (which can be considered a part of obesity).
Continuous use of sleeping pills or allergy medication.
Sleeping on your back habitually.
Alcohol and tobacco use (due to their potential to relax oral and soft tissues and cause nasal congestion).
How should the approach to snoring treatment be?
Different methods are available depending on the severity of snoring. If snoring is a simple issue, it can be alleviated with some methods, and complete cessation of snoring has been observed.
These methods can be listed as follows:
Losing weight.
Using nasal strips or nasal devices.
Using a high pillow when sleeping.
Reducing alcohol, tobacco, and sleeping pill intake.
Avoiding sleeping on your back.
However, in cases of severe snoring, it can be treated with surgical or non-surgical methods. Patients should initially be treated with non-surgical methods if there is no anatomical pathology. Oral snoring appliances that advance the lower jaw are quite effective. Oral snoring appliances are excellent treatment options for patients who do not want surgery or cannot undergo surgery or those for whom surgery does not yield satisfactory results.
Surgical methods are not numerous, but they should be planned according to the location of the pathology. The goal is to widen the spaces where air passes and prevent the vibrations and looseness of soft tissues. Instruments such as laser, radiofrequency, or robotic surgery can be used.
Correction of the nasal septum, reduction of nasal polyps.
Removal of enlarged tonsils and adenoids.
Surgeries that shorten and tighten the soft palate and uvula.
Surgeries that reduce the base of the tongue or pull the tongue forward.
It should be remembered that snoring, if left untreated, can progress to more serious diseases such as sleep apnea, affecting the individual and those around them, and reducing their quality of life.