SNORING.. How Can It Harm Your Body?

Snoring is a frequent problem we come across. It occurs due to vibration of structures behind the nose( nasopharynx) 

More commonly seen in men, increases with age, obesity and alcohol consumption and nose block. 

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES? 

Obesity

Blockage of Nasal ( nose) Airways (can be  due to allergy, congestion, septal deviation,or any other pathologies. 

Hypotonicity( poor tone) of throat muscle like tongue,  soft palate( roof of mouth) 

Bulky tissues( uvula, tongue, tonsil  and adenoid hypertrophy) 

WHEN  WILL IT BE WORRISOME? 

When it is associated with, sleep disturbances, sleep apnoea(  temporary cessation of breathing) disharmony in relationship, and social disability, interfering with daytime work, fatigue. 

COMPLICATIONS

Waking up from sleep, light and day time sleep, concentration problems, mood disturbances, affecting your work,   increase in blood pressure( pulmonary hypertension) put strain on heart, especially those who have other comorbidities like Diabetes, obesity and if snoring is associated with obstructive sleep apnea . 

WHAT YOU CAN DO? 

Weight reduction, life style changes, avoid smoking and alcohol consumption( especially before sleep) treat the nasal and throat  problems. Can do investigations like sleep studies and other investigations  in case of sleep apnea. 

IF SNORING IS CAUSING HEALTH PROBLEMS, SEEK HELP