Snoring is a sound made by our pharyngeal tissues, or throat, when they vibrate or quiver. It is louder when we breathe in (inhale) compared to when we breathe out (exhale). The passage of air through a narrowed throat – perhaps due to enlarged tonsils or excessive relaxation of the throat during sleep – produces the snoring sound. Sleep-related breathing disorders can begin with partial airway collapse or progress to a condition called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), in which breathing during sleep is temporarily interrupted due to a narrowing or blockage of the airway leading to the lungs. If you are experiencing frequent or loud snoring, it is important to consult a Snoring specialist to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
OSA is a sleep-related breathing disorder in which breathing during sleep is temporarily interrupted due to a narrowing or closure of the airway leading to the lungs. This is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder. It occurs when the muscles that support the throat, such as the tongue and soft palate, relax. In a person without OSA, air flows continuously from the mouth and nose into the lungs even during sleep. When breathing stops, it is called apnea or apneic episodes. The normal flow of air during sleep is interrupted in a person with OSA.
OSA is more common in men
OSA is more common in men, but anyone can develop OSA, even children. In women, its incidence increases with menopause. Snoring is one of the symptoms of OSA, especially the intermittent type of snoring. Snoring is caused by air entering a narrowed upper airway. Although snoring is often associated with OSA, it is important to understand that not all snorers have OSA.
Effects and Complications of OSA
OSA has many negative health effects, such as an increased risk of heart disease, as well as difficulty thinking, focusing, and understanding ( neurocognitive difficulties). A person with OSA is also more likely to have an accident. Most deaths and adverse health effects from OSA are caused by its effects on the heart. OSA can cause high blood pressure or stroke. It can also lead to congestive heart failure, which causes ineffective blood circulation in the body. In some cases, it can cause sudden death.
Having diabetes
Having diabetes may be associated with untreated OSA. If you have OSA, you are also more likely to have problems paying attention, remembering things, and doing work. If you have a partner or sleep partner, their sleep quality may also be affected, which can result in feelings of fatigue throughout the day. It is good to know if you have OSA because it can be very beneficial when treated. It can be treated with surgery or medical devices that can help alleviate the health effects and prevent complications.
How do I know if I have OSA?
Diagnosing OSA begins with a thorough history taking and a complete physical examination.
The doctor will determine if you have symptoms such as:
Loud snoring
Can't sleep
Feeling sleepy in the morning (even though you think you slept at night)
Being forgetful
Has difficulty concentrating
Mood changes
Morning headache
Bedwetting at night
Sweating at night
Depression
Stopping breathing during sleep
Of these symptoms, morning sleepiness and loud snoring are what usually prompt patients to seek consultation. Apart from knowing the symptoms being experienced, the doctor will also examine the throat to see if the tonsils are enlarged and the nose to see if there is anything blocking the airway.
To determine if you have OSA
To determine if you have OSA, your doctor will perform a Polysomnography or PSG, a sleep study, in which the patient is observed while sleeping and has devices attached to the body to record oxygen saturation; eye movements, jaw, stomach, and chest muscles during breathing; heart rate, and air intake into the body. The recorded records are read by a PSG technologist and a sleep doctor.
What is the medication for OSA?
The treatment for OSA depends on the cause of OSA. Some of the recommended solutions are:
Weight loss. Weight loss is encouraged for all overweight patients with OSA.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). This is considered the gold standard in the treatment of OSA. A mask is attached to the patient that blows air while the patient is asleep to open the airway and prevent the tissues of the pharynx from softening or collapsing.
Surgery. This depends on where the obstruction causing OSA is located. Often, enlarged tonsils are the cause of OSA, and tonsillectomy or removal of the tonsils improves symptoms. Surgery may also be needed for the nose or palate. In some cases, surgery may also be done on the jaw ( maxillomandibular advancement.
Snoring should not be ignored. Especially in patients who are overweight. Not all snorers have OSA. It is best to consult an Otolaryngologist – Head and Neck Surgeon, a Pulmonologist, or a Neurologist to determine the next steps.
Conclusion
Getting a good night's sleep every day is a huge relief, and paying attention to snoring can help us identify OSA and its treatments. Persistent or loud snoring should not be ignored, as it may indicate underlying issues such as obstructive sleep apnea or airway obstruction. Consulting the Best ENT surgeon can help determine the cause and recommend the most effective treatment, whether through lifestyle changes, medical therapy, or surgical options. With the right care, you can improve your sleep quality, restore energy, and enhance your overall health and well-being.
