Is snoring a warning of some disease?
Snoring is one of the most underestimated clinical study manifestations out there. It is not only an annoying act during the night, but a probable sign of serious illness.
Statistics mention that all people suffer from at least one episode of snoring in their life. Although not all cases are strictly related to some pathology, it is still good to be cautious.
Snoring: how does snoring occur?
Snoring is frequent in the population, with a predominance of 57% in the male gender. For its part, it was found that women suffer from this sign in 40% of cases. In short, they are data that express the recurrence and recurrent appearance of the act of snoring.
Snoring is a term used to describe the particular sound produced by the nostrils and pharynx. Usually, it varies from mild to intense depending on the person who listens to it. However, the literature establishes it as a strong and, precisely, hoarse ringing.
Snoring occurs at night because that is when the muscles of the pharynx relax. The throat narrows and the continuous passage of air through the nostrils causes them to make a flapping movement.
In hindsight, flapping can also translate into vibrations that become noticeable in the typical hoarse sound. Depending on certain factors, the level of intensity will be more or less strong as such.
Although it is true that they can be considered as habitual episodes, they cannot be underestimated either. Snoring impairs the quality of life, alters the physiological processes of sleep and affects social behavior. In the worst case scenario, they are signs of serious illness.
What causes snoring? The most common causes
The vibrations originating from the flapping in the muscles of the pharynx are the product of an inadequate passage of air. This situation derives from a series of common causes that are worth analyzing in depth to be detailed:
Morphological defects in the airways
Some people are born with genetic details that alter the normal anatomy and morphology of the airways. Problems that, in the long run, prevent a correct transfer of air in all its splendor.
The defects usually described are the narrowing of the turbinates or the nostrils. Macroglossia (disproportionately large tongue) and other variants related to these specific disorders also play a role.
Chronic respiratory diseases
Some diseases of the airway, when they become chronic, cause snoring. For example, in advanced cases of asthma, bronchitis, or chronic sinusitis, narrowing of anatomical structures are predisposing factors.
As a curious fact, many people experience insidious onset snoring. They are presented as an appetizer towards any of the diseases mentioned, so it can be considered as a sign of visiting the doctor.
addictions
Bad social practices such as alcoholism, smoking and the consumption of psychotropic substances can trigger snoring. Its consequences directly affect not only the respiratory tract, but also the nervous system.
In time, shortness of breath linked to common sleep disorders will become a reality due to these addictions. Therefore, it is convenient to nip them at the root to deal with snoring.
Overweight and/or obesity
Overweight and obesity are serious metabolic diseases of multifactorial origin. When established, it symbolizes a transcendental risk to the various body systems, including the respiratory system.
Although it may not seem like it, the excess of adipose tissue accumulated at the abdominal level is related to snoring. When the individual assumes certain positions when sleeping, the pressure exerted by the excess weight affects the passage of air in the respiratory tract.
Stressful lifestyle
Chronic stress acts as a trigger for the appearance of snoring. This sensation causes the body to produce and secrete hormones that keep the person in a sustained state of alarm.
Finally, it results in tachycardia, excessive salivation, sweating and hyperventilation. The sum of the factors determines the good flow of air and normal breathing, conditioning the ideal environment for snoring.
Obstructive sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common antecedent that goes hand in hand with snoring. It is defined as a transitory interruption of the respiratory flow, preceded by the presence of said sounds.
Although there are different types of these disorders, the obstructive one is the most careful. The muscles of the pharynx (throat) relax (lose tone) to the point of obstructing the upper airway.
As it closes, the flutter explained in previous paragraphs occurs. The snoring stops when the air does not find a gateway, resulting in the person's abrupt awakening.
Does snoring bring long-term complications?
Snoring by itself is not a cause for alarm in general, only when it is present in combination with other symptoms. However, if it is linked to comorbidities such as obesity itself, arterial hypertension, alcoholism, smoking or obstructive apnea, it does generate complications.
Over time, the percentage of risk for diabetes mellitus, chronic high blood pressure and other severe heart problems increases. At the respiratory level, pulmonary hypertension is one of the most feared medical horizons.
As an additive, strokes are also noted in the statistics. Undoubtedly, all the mentioned are complications that can lead to a deadly scenario for the patient.
It is of severe importance not to underestimate snoring
It does not mean that snoring is absolutely synonymous with hidden diseases. But, when its appearance is enigmatic and starts for no reason, it is convenient not to underestimate that signal.
With the help of a family member, partner or roommate, some associated signs and symptoms can be identified. In addition to snoring, they will represent the turning point to go to a specialized medical consultation.
Drowsiness in the day.
Interruption of breathing throughout the night.
Insomnia or interrupted sleep.
Difficulty concentrating.
High blood pressure and precordial (chest) pain.
Excessively loud snoring.
It should be noted that snoring is not predominant in adulthood, manifesting itself equally in the pediatric field. Obstructive sleep apnea and other pathologies with a certain severity are prone in infants and children in general.
Sleep medicine: efficient against snoring?
Sleep medicine is the branch of medical science that is dedicated to the care and treatment of nocturnal disorders. Provides a clear view of pathologies that predominate at night, including those recently nicknamed "snoring" (snoring).
With the advancement of technology and clinical scope, novel trials have been conducted that demonstrate effective solutions to the causes of snoring. From parasomnias, insomnia itself to going through the different types of apneas such as obstructive.
Going to a specialist in the field of sleep will definitely contribute in a satisfactory way to overcoming the habit of snoring. Through certified health strategies, it will provide simple therapeutic guidelines that will also shape a better lifestyle.