Stop Snoring -
How To Stop Snoring
How To Stop Snoring
Snoring is a condition caused by the vibration of respiratory system structures and result in a sound due to irregular movement of air during breathing while sleeping. The volume of the sound produced may vary between a soft noise while in some cases the volume of a snore can be quite loud and unpleasant. In the majority of cases, the respiratory elements involved in producing this sound are the Uvula and soft palate. The irregular functionality of the respiratory system is usually caused by one of the following:
- Sleeping position - when sleeping on one's back, the tongue may drop to the back of the mouth.
- Tissue contact - both ends of the throat are touching each other during sleep thus causing a vibration.
- Alcohol, tranquilizers or any other drugs effecting muscle tension.
- Nasal congestion or any other nasal passageway obstruction. - read more: Stop snoring aids
- Weakness of the throat.
- High body fat index resulting in the accumulation of fat around the throat area.
The statistics revolving this issue show that between 30-50 percent of adult population worldwide suffer some degree of Snoring problems. Some studies show that there is a significant increase of the phenomenon as age increases.
Effects
Snoring often deprives sleep to snorers and those sharing their bed as well as drowsiness, inability to focus, decreased libido and irritability. Furthermore, multiple studies have revealed a positive correlation of more than 30 percent between loud snoring and risk of heart attacks and strokes.
According to new studies, the development of "carotid artery arthrosclerosis" and risk of stroke are also caused by loud snoring. The explanation offered by researchers is that loud snoring creates turbulence in carotid artery blood flow imbedded close to the airway.
Diagnosis
In general, snoring is usually recognized by a partner who is able to observe one's sleeping difficulties. Condition such as "sleep apnea" may also consist with the snoring condition beside the snoring "noise". The most effective method of detection is to conduct a "sleep study" in which patients can identify sleeping issues.
Treatment
The majority of treatments revolve around the treatment of blockage in the breathing passage. For that reason snorers are usually advised to:
- Stop smoking - smoking can clog weaken the throat.
- Lose weight - A high body fat index causes pressure to form on the throat area.
- Use over-the-counter remedies such as nose clips or nose strips, sprays, "anti-snore" clothing and pillows.
- Playing the didgeridoo – helps strengthen the throat muscle tissue.
However, these techniques may mask the snoring symptoms but not treat the underlying condition, It is best to keep in mind that snoring is a known medical condition and people who snore should always seek professional medical advice.
Read more about: Snoring Treatments
Dental appliances
Mandibular advancement splints have been proven to be effective in snoring and sleep apnea treatment. After consulting a dentist specializing in sleep apnea, this specially made dental appliance slightly advances the lower jaw thus helps to pull the tongue forward. According to patients, Mandibular advancement splints are much more tolerates than CPAP machines. Rare but possible side effects include "temporomandibular joint disorder" (gradual movement of the teeth, gum irritation and excess production of saliva).
As custom fitted Mandibular advancement splints are quite expensive, cheaper devices are available in a over-the counter versions. Usually, they are made from an EVA polymer and resemble in shape to the protective sport mouth-guards. The most apparent disadvantage in comparison to the custom made devices is the difficulty in setting up the correct jaw position – over-positioning can result in jaw joint pain while under-positioning produces no therapeutic result.
Mandibular advancement splints are classified in the united states as a Class 2 medical devices and therefore cannot be legally purchased without a prescription within the U.S. however, Americans are allowed to purchase these devices outside the country and import them for personal use. In Australia, manufacturers bearing a TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) are allowed to sell these devices via normal retail channels without a physician being involved in the process.
PAP (Positive Airway Pressure)
A CPAP machine (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is a box-sized device designed to keep one's airway open by pumping a controlled stream of air using a mask that is worn over the mouth area.
Read more about: CPAP
Surgery
There are available surgical procedures that could correct social snoring. Some of these procedures, such as uvulopalatopharyngoplast are designed to widen the airway of patient by removing throat tissues which often include the uvula and pharynx. These kinds of surgeries carry a certain amount of risk due their potential adverse effects. Scarring is an individual trait thus in some cases scar tissue created as a result of surgical incisions can cause the airway to become narrower than its original state prior to surgery. For these reasons, in this point of time, the American Medical Association does not allow use of laser performed operations on the uvula or pharynxes.
Another effective method of treating snoring yet in some cases does not eliminate the snoring completely is RFA (Radiofrequency ablation). This method is relatively new and applies radiofrequency heat and energy to the back throat soft tissue focusing on the soft palate and uvula and causes scarring of the area thus creating, after healing, a more stiff tissue which helps decrease snoring symptoms. The RFA procedure takes less than one hour but usually requires several treatment sessions.
Read more about: Stop Snoring Surgery
Pharmacological treatment
An effective pharmacological treatment showing a 95 percent result in cases of severe snoring is a combination of pseudoephedrine and domperidone. This combination is sold over-the-counter in several countries.
Natural based remedies
Natural based snoring treatment methods come in various forms which include: herbal pills, specialized acupuncture or acupressure devices. In addition, wrong sleeping position plays a major role in some cases such as sleeping on one's back so it is recommended to change of bed position. Sleeping on too many pillows can result in stretching and narrowness of the air passage resulting in snoring in this case it is recommended using only one pillow.
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Snoring Products Reviews
Snoring Treatments
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