90 Best Doctors for Snoring available in Delhi

What is snoring?

If breathing is partially obstructed, then a harsh or hoarse sound is generated either from the nose or mouth and this sound is called snoring. The snoring is similar to that of our vocal cords vibration which makes a noise. While sleeping, the turbulent airflow causes the tissues of the palate present in the nose and throat to vibrate and results in snoring with a sound that can be heard.

What causes snoring?

There are different reasons for snoring for different individuals. A few of the causes of snoring are:

• The narrow passage of either the nose, mouth, or throat.
• Sleeping position of an individual
• Use of medications that can cause nasal congestion
• Excessive consumption of alcohol can cause snoring in a few individuals
• Nasal septum deviations [sideways displacement of the wall between the nostrils]

Palatal snoring is a type of snoring that occurs when an individual breathes through the mouth due to nasal obstruction.

How does Snoring occur?

• When an individual is breathing in a sitting position, the snoring is less likely to happen as the air flows in a constant rhythm from the nose, mouth, & lungs.
• During exercise, the speed of airflow in the nose and mouth causes turbulence as the air moves faster and can produce snoring with less sound.
• In a few cases, the back of the throat becomes narrow while an individual is sleeping and if the muscles relax more, then the back of the throat can be closed temporarily. Due to this, airflow becomes more rapid and as a result, snoring sounds are heard louder.

Who are mostly affected by snoring?

• Any individual can be affected by snoring and there is no particular group of people who can’t be affected by snoring.
• Usually, people who do not snore have reported snoring after a viral illness, alcohol consumption, or while on a few medications.
• Generally, people think that the individuals who are snoring would be a large man with a thick neck.
• Snoring may become worse, as an individual gets older and gains weight. 

What are the diagnostic methods for snoring?

The doctor will enquire about the patient about his/her medical and medication history. In severe cases, the doctor may evaluate the signs and symptoms along with the time and severity of snoring. In a few cases, the doctor may check the airways problems by the following tests:

• Imaging tests such as X-ray, CT Scan or MRI 
• Sleep Studies like polysomnography that records brain waves, the oxygen level in the body, breathing and heart rate, sleep stages, the positions of eyes and legs. 

What are the treatment options for snoring?

After suggesting a few lifestyle changes to treat snoring, the doctor may suggest the following ways:

• Oral appliances - they are dental mouthpieces that help in the positioning of the jaw, tongue, and soft palate and hence helps to keep the air passage open to avoid snoring.
• Continuous positive airway pressure - this approach involves a mask placed on the nose and mouth while sleeping. This mask directly sends the pressurized air from a small pump beside the airway to keep it open and avoid snoring.
• Upper-airway surgery - there are several minor surgical procedures that can widen the narrowed airway passage in order to avoid snoring. Such as UPPP (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty), and MMA (Maxillomandibular Advancement), etc.

What are the home remedies to treat snoring?

To prevent snoring, there are few home remedies and they are:

• Lose weight if overweight
• Sleep on sideways to allow airflow easily and to reduce snoring
• Raise the head from the bed by four inches which help airways open
• Use nasal dilators and nasal strips
• Treating nasal decongestion or obstruction
• Avoid the use of sedatives before bed
• Limit or avoid sedatives or alcohol
• Avoid or quit smoking
• Get an appropriate amount of sleep