Snoring problems, in addition to causing health problems, sometimes are also a sign of certain diseases and affect relationships. Reveal the root causes of snoring and treatment methods.

Snoring is a sound caused by the vibration of the uvula and soft palate while we sleep. When we sleep deeply, the tissues in the throat, especially the uvula and soft palate, relax. For some people, they relax so much that they hang down and block the airway in the throat, preventing the inhaled air. From flowing easily into the windpipe and lungs. The blocked airflow flows through the throat. And hits the uvula and soft palate, causing them to vibrate more than normal. ยูฟ่าเบท The result is the snoring sound. 

Causes of snoring

• As we age, our muscles, including those that dilate the airway in the throat. Become less flexible, making it easier for the uvula and tongue to fall and block the airway.
• Men are more likely to snore than women due to hormonal influences. But when menopause occurs, women are as likely as men.
• Obesity: Excess fat accumulates in the neck area, narrowing the airway.
• Drinking alcohol or taking certain medications, such as sleeping pills. Which have a central nervous system depressant effect, reduces the tension of the muscles that dilate the airways.
• Smoking makes the respiratory system less efficient, irritates the throat, causes tissue swelling, narrows the airway, causes blockage. And makes it easier to snore.
• Chronic nasal congestion, such as a deviated septum, chronic allergic rhinitis, or nasal tumors
• Genetics: People with a family history of this condition are at a higher risk of developing snoring than normal people.
• Abnormal facial bone structure, such as a small chin, a chin that recedes backward, a long neck, and flat cheekbones.
• Hormonal disorders such as hypothyroidism can cause airway obstruction more easily than in the general population.

Type of snoring

• Harmless (simple snoring): People who snore in this type of sleep usually have a steady snoring sound, without interrupted breathing or gasping for air. The snoring is usually very loud, especially when sleeping on the back. The loudness of the snoring does not indicate whether it is dangerous or not. Since this type of snoring does not involve lack of air, it does not have much impact on health, except for disturbing your bed partner.
• Dangerous type (snoring with obstructive sleep apnea) People who snore in this condition usually snore loudly and have symptoms similar to choking or wake up startled in the middle of the night. Waking up feeling tired, not refreshed or having a headache and wanting to sleep more even though they have slept for 7-8 hours. During the day, some people may feel drowsy, forgetful, have no concentration, are easily irritated, have a bad temper and have reduced sexual feelings. This type of snoring can lead to sleep apnea.

Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) 

occur only during sleep because the brain is resting, causing the muscles in this area to work less. The upper airway will shrink together like sucking on a coffee straw, causing low blood oxygen due to lack of air. Therefore, you have to try to breathe harder to open this airway. When the brain is stimulated to wake up frequently, it causes not deep sleep and feels sleepy during the day, tired and not refreshed like not getting enough rest, which has other consequences. 

Treatment guidelines for snoring

Surgery, along with orthodontics, and oral appliance placement are among the options for treating snoring. Oral appliance placement is becoming more popular because it does not require any surgery, is less expensive than other methods, and is easy to fit and comfortable to wear all night long.

Procedure for inserting the instrument

• The patient must first visit the dentist for an oral examination.
• The doctor will send you for a sleep test to rule out any abnormalities because if it is caused by the nervous system, the anti-snoring device will not be able to be used.
• Once the doctor has determined that the appliance is suitable for use, the dentist will take an impression of the mouth to send to the lab to make the appliance. This will take about 1 week and then make an appointment for the patient to try on the snoring appliance.
• Patients will be given a two-week trial of the anti-snoring device and will be scheduled for follow-up appointments.
• After 1 month, the doctor will make an appointment to check the snoring device to see if the elastic size needs to be increased to suit each individual’s usage.