Snoring is a resonant sound that emerges from the mouth and/or nose during sleep. This sound is the result of a vibration that occurs in the airway. At night, the soft tissues of the airway relax and thus flatten the airway. The air, thus, has to come out with force, leading to the vibration of these tissues. The narrower the airway, the louder the snoring.
Causes of Snoring
Some of the major causes of snoring occur due to problems associated with the respiratory tract due to allergies (hay fever, asthma), medications for allergies and cold and flu. In all these cases, the airway becomes clogged, leading to snoring. Enlarged adenoids or tonsils can also lead to snoring. A disproportionately large tongue can also be a factor. Alcohol consumption is also implicated in snoring since alcohol causes throat muscles to collapse and dilates blood vessels, which can lead to the swelling of throat tissues. Snoring also occurs in the elderly due to weakening of muscles and tissues in the throat.
A person may snore with either the mouth closed or open. If the snoring is with mouth open, then the throat tissues are responsible for the problem. If snoring occurs with mouth closed, then the position of the tongue is a possibility in snoring. Usually people snore when lying on the back. But if a person snores regardless of sleeping position, it could signify a bigger problem and the person could require medical treatment to cure the problem.
Problems of Snoring
Although snoring is a problem not regarded as serious by most people, it can lead to very serious medical conditions like heart disease, stroke, headaches during the day, heartburn and a weakened immune system. Probably the most serious of all the conditions that snoring can cause is sleep apnea. In this condition, breathing stops during sleep. Sleep apnea can be fatal -- the sufferer may die during sleep due to discontinuation of breathing. Other problems due to sleep apnea can be traced to the buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood leading to heart disease, stroke and brain damage.
Ways to Avoid Snoring
It is best to sleep in a manner that least obstructs the airway. A larger pillow may create a greater angle in the neck, thereby increasing obstruction. Also if a person snores while sleeping on the back, it is advisable to sleep sideways and keeping a pillow to avoid rolling back. Throat muscle exercises help in strengthening the muscles and tissues of the throat, thereby lessening their chances of becoming too relaxed to cause snoring. Decreasing the consumption of milk and milk products can also help in reducing snoring. This is because, milk and milk products cause blockage of the airway by enhancing the production of more mucus. Finally, consulting a physician is always advisable to get rid of the problem, since snoring may give rise to serious medical issues.
References:
1. http://www.solveyourproblem.com/stop-snoring/cause_of_snoring.shtml
2. http://www.goherbalremedies.com/blog/common-causes-of-snoring/
3. http://www.stopsnoringcures.com/
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