Snoring may sound like a harmless nighttime disruption, but it can indicate serious health conditions like sleep apnea. Treatment of snoring varies from home remedies to surgery, depending on the cause. In some cases, snoring is caused by congestion in the nasal passages or excess fat tissue in the throat, which can be helped by changing lifestyle habits. For example, avoiding alcohol and sleeping on the side can increase airflow and reduce snoring. Over-the-counter nasal sprays, decongestants and nasal strips can also help. In addition, losing weight can decrease fatty tissue and clear the nasal passages.
If snoring is a result of sleep apnea, your healthcare provider will advise you to use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which blows pressurized air into the nose or mouth to keep it open. Another surgical option is uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), in which the tonsils and soft palate are removed or reshaped to increase airflow through the nose and mouth. Both surgeries have good results, although they are not always permanent cures for snoring.
The most common cause of snoring is vibrations in the upper airway tissue, and there are many ways to reduce this, such as sleeping on the side or not eating heavy meals before bedtime. In addition, reducing the amount of alcohol consumed and using a sedative only as necessary for travel or medical reasons can decrease snoring.
Over-the-counter nasal dilators and nasal strips are designed to open the nasal passages for better airflow while you sleep, which can decrease snoring. A humidifier can increase the moisture level in your bedroom and relieve irritated membranes in your nasal passages. Some snorers have trouble breathing through the nose, which can be caused by colds or allergies that can block the nasal passages. Over-the-counter nose sprays, decongestants and antihistamines can help.부산수면다원검사
For snoring that is caused by the soft palate, a new surgical procedure called injection snoreplasty involves injecting a chemical into the soft palate to stiffen it, which can increase air flow and decrease snoring. Other surgical options include palatal implants, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and rhinoplasty.
In some cases, snoring can be related to certain health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes, so if you are concerned, your healthcare provider can refer you for a specialized sleep study (polysomnography). During this test, a technician will monitor your breathing patterns and the movement of your arms and legs during the night.
In some cases, snoring may be due to a condition called sleep apnea, which can lead to health problems including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease.부산코수술 In this case, your healthcare provider will suggest a number of treatments to manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life, such as CPAP therapy, taking an over-the-counter sleep aid or weight loss. You may also be prescribed a mandibular advancement splint or dental therapy to prevent your lower jaw from protruding during sleep, which can reduce snoring. In severe cases, your healthcare provider may recommend a tracheostomy or palatal implant.