Snoring

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Throat anatomy

Overview

Treatment

Snoring

Definition:

Snoring is a loud, hoarse, or harsh breathing sound that happens while you are asleep.

Considerations:

Snoring is common in adults and usually is not an indication of an underlying disorder.

Sometimes, however, snoring can be a sign of a serious sleep disorder called sleep apnea. This means you have periods when you are not breathing for more than 10 seconds while you sleep. These periods of "apnea" are indicated by a long period of silence just after you have been snoring. They are followed by a sudden snort or gasp when breathing resumes. Then, snoring starts all over again. If you have sleep apnea, this cycle generally happens several times a night.

The major risk from this condition is stroke due to episodes when your brain is not getting enough oxygen. If sleep apnea is suspected, your doctor (or a sleep specialist) can test you for it by doing a sleep study either at home or in a hospital setting.

Common Causes:

In most people, the reason for snoring is not known. The following are potential causes other than sleep apnea:

Sleeping pills, antihistamines, or alcohol at bedtime
Nasal congestion from colds or allergies, especially if it lasts a long time
Enlarged adenoids and tonsils that block the airway
Being overweight, which leads to excessive neck tissue that puts pressure on the airway
Last month of pregnancy

References:

Tung A. The Biology and Genetics of Obesity and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Anesthesiol Clin North America. 2005; 23(3): 445-461.

Goh YH. The physiologic impact of sleep apnea on wakefulness. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2003; 36(3): 423-435, v.

Review Date: 2/1/2006
Reviewed By: Alden J. Pearl M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, State University of New York Health Science Center atBrooklyn, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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