Temporary
conditions such as allergies, head colds, sore throats and
a wee bit too much spirits are all common causes of occasional
snoring. While this type of snoring may be disruptive, it
is rarely a cause for concern. Chronic snoring, however,
can be a symptom of something far more serious.
Chronic snoring occurs every night regardless of the sleeper's
position and independent of any other health issues. Often
times chronic snoring is so severe that it totally disrupts
the sleep patterns of everyone in the household. That's
because severe snoring is both relentless and can be quite
loud.
The classic snoring sound is created by vibrations of the
soft palate (roof of the mouth), throat, uvula (that little
flap of skin that hangs from the roof of the mouth), tonsils
and adenoids.
The loudest recorded snoring ever measured was an ear-splitting
90 decibels. To put that into perspective, normal human
conversation is about 40 decibels, city sounds range from
60 to 70 decibels and a jet plane on full afterburner hits
110 decibels!
Besides sleep deprivation, chronic snoring has been proven
to be the cause of serious health problems. Dr. David Earnest,
associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Medicine
said "If you look at the statistics, sleep disorders
are one of the leading causes of institutionalization in
the United States".
Chronic snoring is responsible for higher risk of stroke,
certain forms of diabetes, elevated blood pressure and heart
disease. Chronic snoring may be a symptom of "sleep
apnea" which is a breathing obstruction caused by a
collapsing of the soft tissues of the mouth and throat when
the muscles of the neck and mouth begin to relax. Sleep
apnea sufferers may wake up hundreds of times per night
in order to start breathing again.
If you or someone in your life is suffering from chronic
snoring then a physical examination by a doctor is in order.
An otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose and Throat) doctor is best
qualified to diagnose the problem. After examining your
mouth and throat, the doctor may have you participate in
a laboratory-based sleep study for further diagnosis.
If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, the chances are your
doctor will prescribe a device called a CPAP (Continuous
Positive Airway Pressure) machine. This resembles an oxygen
mask that is worn when you sleep. The mask is connected
to a hose and an air pump which delivers a constant flow
of air pressure through your mouth and nose. This is designed
to counteract the vibrations caused by snoring.
While the CPAP is the most commonly prescribed treatment,
it is also the most disruptive and uncomfortable. Not only
must the mask fit tightly against the mouth, which is uncomfortable
in itself, but the connected air hose restricts normal body
movement during sleep.
A new surgical alternative called the "Pillar Procedure"
consists of having a doctor insert three tiny woven inserts
into the soft palate which helps to reduce the vibration.
According to Dr's Jennifer Jordan and Dwight Lee, of Dallas
Texas based White Rock Ear, Nose and Throat Associates,
this is a painless procedure which they can do right in
their office. This procedures eliminates the need for the
CPAP and all of the related misery that it causes.
Snoring is an inconvenience. Chronic
snoring and sleep apnea can be life-threatening. Don't fool
around with something that is so relatively easy to treat.
If you suspect you have a problem, see your doctor right
away.
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