Snorer – is it dangerous? Consequences of untreated snoring

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Snoring is a breathing disorder caused by the obstruction of the flow of air through the throat, usually during deep sleep. It consists in the involuntary making (usually while inhaling, but often also while exhaling) a wheezing noise, mainly due to the vibrations and flutter of a soft palate, which is flaccid in excessively deep sleep (usually when sleeping in the supine position).

A few words about snoring …

The problem of snoring concerns every third Pole. Unfortunately, many people underestimate this ailment, but it can even lead to death. Snoring is a respiratory disorder that results from a restricted flow of air through the throat. Most people treat this problem only as a bothersome ailment for their relatives. However, the facts speak for themselves: ignoring the problem can cause obstructive sleep apnea and, at worst, death. Sometimes snoring is accompanied by symptoms of fatigue, increased sleepiness, disturbance of concentration and memory, creating grounds for suspecting breathing disorders of the so-called sleep apnea syndrome. If such symptoms occur, see a doctor (a specialist in lung diseases or an ENT specialist) for examination and observation in this direction (e.g. polysomnographic tests). Emergency management is based only on awakening the snorer from sleep, which interrupts the snoring and gives hope that the next phase of sleep will not be that deep or “hard”, and therefore less likely to snore.

Snoring – the mechanism of its formation

The flaccid parts of the body, i.e. the soft palate and the uvula located on the posterior edge of the soft palate, are responsible for snoring. During sleep, the muscles of the throat and soft palate become relaxed, while the throat is narrowed. Then the air, which should normally enter the lungs without any obstacles, squeezes through, thus causing parts of the throat to vibrate. It is these vibrations that are heard as snoring.

The mechanism of snoring is shown below:

1. the muscles of the face, throat and mouth become flaccid during sleep,
2. the tissues without tension collapse,
3. then the size of the opening through which air enters is reduced,
4. the diaphragm and the muscles of the chest, in order to maintain the flow through the reduced opening, create a vacuum during exhalation,
5. the negative pressure raises the soft palate and thus snoring occurs.

Virtually everyone has the problem of snoring, although not everyone snores in the same way and for the same reason. Sounds that are unpleasant to the environment are not the only symptoms of snoring. In addition, sleep apnea syndrome occurs very often, which leads to a decrease in saturation, i.e. tissue hypoxia as well as lack of sleep and daytime sleepiness. Sleep apnea occurs when, in addition to the vibrations of the soft palate, it collapses, which in turn leads to blockage of the upper respiratory tract.

Snoring is also influenced by other factors, the elimination of which can improve the quality of sleep:

1. tonsil hypertrophy (palatine and pharyngeal) – causes the air flow through the upper respiratory tract to be limited,
2. nasal obstruction, e.g. polyps in the nasal cavity, deviation of the nasal septum, colds, allergies (due to the resistance of the air flow in the nose, negative pressure in the throat and vibrations arise),
3. elongated soft palate and uvula – these factors narrow the path of air flow from the nose to the throat.

Snoring – what tests should be performed?

People struggling with snoring should consult an ENT specialist who will probably order the following tests:

1.Computed tomography of the neck and head, i.e. a test that allows to visualize and locate various anomalies and tumors,

2.endoscopic examination of the upper respiratory tract with the use of a speculum – to assess the airway patency,

3.endoscopic examination of the throat (conducted during pharmacological sleep of the patient) – allows to assess the functioning of the upper respiratory tract during relaxation, natural for sleep,

4. ApneaGraph test – a method that allows to locate the place of impairment of the upper respiratory tract.

In addition to examinations, a thorough medical interview is important, during which the ENT specialist is able to determine the place of the obstacle during breathing. With the help of polysomnography or apnography, it is possible to diagnose the patient’s breathing during sleep overnight (saving parameters and analyzing them). The number of hypopnea and apnea per hour as well as the heart rate and the volume of snoring are assessed. Another advantage of these tests is the ability to locate a possible narrowing of the airways. On the basis of these studies, patients are qualified for surgery or non-surgical treatment.

Can snoring be treated?

If the snoring is caused by anatomical defects, they can be surgically removed, thus eliminating the problem. Even on an outpatient basis or under the so-called One-day surgery can correct a deviated nasal septum, cut out overgrown tonsils, remove polyps, reduce the palate and even the tongue. On the other hand, when snoring is accompanied by sleep apnea, different treatment methods are used depending on their severity. Most often it is performed treatments to reduce the mass of the palate and tongue. Using special electrodes, the tissue is destroyed, creating a properly shaped scar that tightens the sagging muscles. Special masks designed to be worn at night are also often used. Such a mouth-and-nose mask is connected by a tube to a compressor that produces a continuous stream of air under increased pressure. Increased air pressure stiffens the airways and prevents them from narrowing. Such a device is a kind of prosthesis, effective when used, but it does not permanently improve the patency of the upper respiratory tract.

A certain application in the treatment of snoring are orthodontic appliances designed to be worn at night, which work well for light or moderate snoring. They prevent the tongue from collapsing towards the larynx.

UPPP plastic surgery – is a procedure that involves making small incisions by an ENT specialist and tunneling the palate, which raises it up. Sometimes the uvula is shortened. This procedure is performed over the course of one day.

Koblation – is the newest UPPP method, which is performed using a coblator operating at 40-50 degrees Celsius. The coblator uses radio wave energy to reduce the volume and voltage of the labeled tissue. The radio waves used do not cause burns, and the treatment itself does not leave any scars. Also, recovery is much faster than with the traditional method, as the patient can go home the same day. It is also possible to treat snoring with laser therapy (lighter cases).

You can also fight snoring on your own. Sometimes it is enough to lose unnecessary kilograms (a slimmer neck does not compress the airways so much). Obese people snore much more often and louder.

Many specialists also advise against drinking alcohol before going to bed, because it causes relaxation of the muscles of the throat and tongue, and also disrupts the functioning of the respiratory center in the brain. Hypnotics have a similar effect to alcohol.

It is also worth giving up smoking, because the saliva in the trachea and larynx of the addict provokes snoring. Do you sleep on your back? It is worth changing this and switching to sleeping on your side or on your stomach. Sometimes snoring occurs in postmenopausal women due to a hormonal imbalance. In such patients, hormonal replacement therapy, e.g. progesterone, is recommended to stimulate the muscles of the throat and prevent them from slackening.

Note: Recently, patches, sprays and anti-snoring clamps have gained popularity. It should be realized that such specifics do not completely eliminate the problem, but only “silence” it. It is obvious that if the anatomy is the cause of snoring, no patches will work miracles. Surgical intervention is necessary.

Consequences of untreated snoring

The most common complications resulting from untreated snoring are:

1. problems with erection – men who have breathing problems are much more likely to complain about erection problems;
2. myocardial infarction;
3. stroke;
4. exacerbation of symptoms of existing ailments, for example: arterial and pulmonary hypertension, glucose intolerance, diabetes, ischemic heart disease;
5. apnea – causes a decrease in saturation (peripheral blood oxygen saturation), which is manifested by irritability, drowsiness and nervousness,
6. slower development of children.

This may interest you:

1. Is There An Effective Cure For Snoring?
2. Snoring and Apnea – What Should We Know?
3. Overview of products that can help you get rid of snoring