It is the sound produced by the vibration caused by the restriction of air passage in vibrating parts of the upper respiratory tract such as the soft palate, small tongue and side walls of the throat entrance.
What are the Symptoms of Snoring?
Snoring alone (simple snoring) is a common complaint, seen in 40% of men and 20% of women. It is a complaint detected by the patient's spouse or household rather than the patient. It is seen in all patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. However, not all snoring is Sleep Apnea syndrome. Therefore, the causes of the complaints should be well investigated and the treatment should be planned and performed accordingly. The condition is detected and treated with detailed research and examinations.
What are the Causes of Snoring?
Conditions that cause narrowing in the upper respiratory tract can cause snoring, the most common cause in children is adenoid and tonsil size, as well as congenital stenosis, diseases that occupy space in the nasal cavity (polyps, cysts, foreign bodies) infections can cause snoring. In adults, septum deviation leading to nasal obstruction, turbinate hypertrophy, nasal polyps, infections, loose and drooping soft palate, long small tongue, large tonsils, anatomically narrow pharynx, swollen tongue root can cause snoring. In addition, diseases affecting the vocal cords at lower levels can also cause snoring. In addition, people who do not snore may snore after excessive fatigue, excessive alcohol or taking sleeping pills. This is a condition that can occur in most people. Snoring is a common but treatable condition.
How is it treated?
First of all, it is necessary to distinguish whether the current complaints are due to simple snoring or obstructive sleep apnea. The narratives of the patient and his/her relatives can be guiding here, but the definitive diagnosis is made with a Polysomnography (PSG) test performed in a sleep laboratory.
Especially in people who snore while lying on their backs, the problem can be solved by changing the sleeping position. In patients with a disease that causes nasal obstruction, the condition should be corrected with appropriate surgical interventions.
Adenoid and tonsillectomy may be required in children. In pathologies related to soft palate, small tongue and tonsils, snoring can be corrected with surgical interventions in these areas.
