What Is The Cause And Treatment For Snoring?

Posted on Mon, 17 Nov 2014

Question: I am one of those people who snores at night. However, my wife tells me that my snoring is not always the same. Sometimes it's mild or non-existent and sometimes (like last night) very loud. She thinks I snore worse in the early morning. I have tried a number of mouth appliances and other suggestions, and am now on a diet and am considering an adjustable electric bed so that my head will be elevated. Evidently high pillows don't even help me.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hay fever and obesity has to be taken care of...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

Snoring is a common problem in individuals having obesity, recurrent sinusitis, nasal obstruction, thick tongue, short neck, etc.

According to your medical history, you seem to be having obesity and hay fever which could be the prime cause of your snoring.

The causes of snoring in obese individuals are due to thick neck pushing the tongue up thus blocking the airway. Secondly, falling off the tongue back into the throat happens due to lax muscles. It so happens, in obese individuals, the deposition of fat in the inter-muscular layers makes the taut muscles lax, thus allowing the tongue to fall back in the supine position. This obstructs the airway leading to snoring.

Hay fever causes edema of the nasal mucosa and the turbinates, thus narrowing the nasal airways and leading to snoring.

Hence, both the nose and the obesity have to be addressed in order to put an end to snoring.

My suggestions to you are:
1. Do steam inhalation every night before going to bed. This will reduce the nasal congestion and the snoring.
2. If you are having symptoms of hay fever at present, please use steroid nasal spray, to reduce the edema of the nasal mucosa and the turbinates.
3. Have light food in the dinner, such as, salads or oat meal.
4. Avoid lying down in supine position.
5. Continue with your exercises and try to reduce the weight.

With the above measures, you will definitely feel better.

Hope I have answered your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (10 minutes later)

Thank you, Dr. XXXXXXX Yes, I usually do not eat heavily late in the evening, and am not lately suffering from allergies. I try to sleep on my side on two pillows, but it doesn't always succeed. Last night my wife told me I was on the side in the early morning snoring like a tractor. I have seen a new appliance that holds the tongue forward to stop snoring, but unfortunately it looks impossible, since it prevents the mouth and tongue from swallowing saliva.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
CPAP is the most commonly used equipment...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

1. It's good to know that you are already following most of the preventive measures. Please continue to do so.

2. Secondly, there are various devices available in the market which may be beneficial for some and for some not. Of all the devices, CPAP machine is widely used with some success.

3. I would suggest you to get a complete evaluation done by an apt ENT specialist to identify the narrow areas in the upper respiratory tract. Flexible nasopharyngo laryngoscopy is required identify the narrow areas. Depending upon the site of obstruction, further management can be planned or the ideal equipment be identified.

Hope this answer would be helpful to you. Wish you good luck and good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (14 minutes later)

Thank you. I will investigate further. I have a friend who lost almost 45 kilos and his snoring improved dramatically. On the other hand, I don't have symptoms of apnea, so I suppose I could wait to see in one year how I am with the weight loss as was my friend and with the laryngoscopy. But isn't it unusual to switch between mild or no snoring and loud snoring?? Does the airway passage tissue become more or less narrow dependent on other factors?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
I appreciate your positive attitude...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Welcome back

I appreciate your effort in trying to lose the extra amount of fat.

The intensity of snoring depends upon various factors, to mention a few:
1. Physical tiredness, worsens snoring.
2. If the falling back of the tongue is complicated by the nasal congestion (which is more common in the horizontal position), the snoring worsens.
3. Deeper the sleep, the more is the snoring. Deep sleep puts the muscles into more relaxed state compared to that of light sleep. During light sleep the muscle tightness is not fully compromised, hence minimal or no snoring is noticed.

Hope this clarifies your doubts.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj