Why do some people snore and others do not?
The following 5 things are most likely to make you snore:
Being overweight
People who are overweight are much more likely to snore than those who are the correct weight for their height.
Getting older
Snoring gets worse with age.
Gender
Men are three times more likely to snore than women, but of course women are also afflicted.
Drinking alcohol
Alcohol makes snoring worse.
Smoking
Smoking makes snoring worse.
Families who snore
Snoring may run in families. Snoring is related to the shape of your throat.
A blocked nose
If you have a blocked nose at night, this may cause snoring. Correcting the nasal abnormality may reduce the snoring.
Sleeping position
Often lying on your side reduces snoring, particularly if it is not very severe.
In children
Large tonsils and adenoids can cause severe snoring and sleep apnoea in children. This may be so severe as to require urgent treatment.
What will happen when you are seen in the Snoring Clinic?
If the “sleep study” reveals you have sleep apnoea specific treatment will be recommended: “Continuous Positive Airway Pressure” (CPAP) treatment. This involves wearing a mask over your nose at night. The mask gently blows air into you all the time, holding the airway open during breathing. This treatment is effective but needs careful supervision, particularly at first and not all patients find it tolerable or useful.
UPPP is a surgical procedure to reduce or eliminate snoring. It is typically performed on people who have severe snoring that does not respond to other treatments.
During UPPP, the surgeon removes excess tissue from the soft palate and uvula. The soft palate is the fleshy tissue at the back of the roof of the mouth, and the uvula is the small teardrop-shaped piece of tissue that hangs down at the back of the throat.
UPPP is an effective treatment for snoring, but it is important to note that it is a surgery, and there are risks associated with any surgery. The most common risks of UPPP include bleeding, infection, and difficulty swallowing.
Nasal dilators
Nasal dilators are devices that are inserted into the nostrils to widen them and improve airflow. They are often used to treat nasal snoring, which is snoring that is caused by a blockage in the nasal passages.
Nasal dilators are available in a variety of styles and sizes. Some are over-the-counter products, while others are custom-made by a dentist or other healthcare professional.
Nasal dilators are generally safe and effective, but they can cause discomfort in some people. They may also not be effective for everyone.
Oral appliances
Oral appliances are devices that are worn in the mouth to keep the airway open during sleep. They are often used to treat snoring that is caused by the base of the tongue falling back and blocking the airway.
Oral appliances are available in a variety of styles and sizes. Some are over-the-counter products, while others are custom-made by a dentist.
Oral appliances are generally safe and effective, but they can cause discomfort in some people. They may also not be effective for everyone.
Which treatment is best for you will depend on the severity of your snoring, the underlying cause of your snoring, and your overall health. It is important to talk to Mr Khatwa about the best treatment options for you.
