Snoring

Snoring is a sound that is produced during inspiration by the vibration of the soft tissues of the pharynx during sleep.

It is the main symptom of OSA, so when there is a clinical suspicion, the need for a diagnostic study will be indicated to confirm it.

40% of men and 20% of women snore and age increases this prevalence.

The most common cause of snoring is a decrease in the muscle tone of the pharynx that produces a partial obstruction of the airway during sleep. Sedative drugs (sleeping pills, antihistamines), alcohol and tobacco, fatigue among others are what can cause snoring by this mechanism. Anatomical disorders such as obesity, an enlarged neck, large tonsils and / or adenoids, large tongues, and enlarged uvulae (uvula) also play a role. There are other causes of snoring such as hypothyroidism, menopause, nasal polyps and deviation of the nasal septum and allergies, among others.

Given the existence of snoring associated with cessation of breathing (apneas), a number greater than 10 in an hour should go to the doctor for an evaluation and diagnosis of OSA, especially if it is accompanied by daytime sleepiness. Apneas during sleep lasting 2-3 seconds are physiological, but when they last longer and with added snoring is when this pathology should be considered, which is currently underdiagnosed. The patient gets used to snoring and considers it a way of sleeping without thinking about a probable associated disease.

Most snoring has an easy solution:

• Avoid being overweight.
• Avoid large meals at night.
• Avoid sedative, antihistamine, hypnotic, and relaxant drugs.
• Get regular exercise.
• Consume less alcohol and tobacco.
• Sleep preferably on your side.
• Elevate the head of the bed.

It is important to inform the patient of the correction of risk factors and to involve the family in prior decisions.

Chronic snorers diagnosed with OSAS, in addition to the measures described, benefit from CPAP (continuous positive pressure on the nasal airway) as well as from the surgical correction of anatomical abnormalities such as large tonsils and adenoids, large uvulae, deviation of the nasal septum and nasal polyps among others.