Loud snores are an annoying habit that disrupts sleep for you and your partner. But occasionally, it may go beyond a simple habit. It can be a sign of a medical condition that requires treatment.
Signs Loud Snores Might Be a Sign of a Medical Condition
Here are five signs that your snoring might indicate a medical condition.
- Obstructive sleep apnea, a significant medical problem, may be present if you snore often at night. This condition causes you to stop breathing multiple times throughout the night and can lead to serious health issues, including high blood pressure and heart disease. If you snore every night and wake up exhausted, you must get tested for sleep apnea.
- If you snore loudly and often, it could be a sign of a blocked airway. This can occur due to allergies, a deviated septum, or enlarged tonsils. If you have a blocked airway, you must talk to your doctor immediately. They can help you find a solution to clear your airway and help you breathe more easily at night.
- If you snore and have difficulty breathing during the day, you may have chronic rhinitis. Inflammatory mucosal surfaces in the nose can make breathing difficult. If you have chronic rhinitis, your doctor may prescribe medications to help reduce your symptoms.
- You may have restless leg syndrome if you snore and have difficulty staying asleep during the night. This condition is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move your legs while sleeping, which can cause you to wake up throughout the night, disrupting your sleep. If you think you may have restless leg syndrome, your doctor can help you find a treatment that works for you.
- Finally, if you snore and you’re overweight or obese, it could be a sign of upper airway resistance syndrome. This condition occurs when extra fat in the neck and throat area restricts airflow while sleeping, resulting in loud and persistent snores. If you think you may have this condition, your doctor can help you find a solution that works for you.
How to Overcome This Problem While Sleeping?
If snoring is not related to a medical condition then do the following things to avoid it
Avoid sleeping on your back.
When you sleep on your back, your tongue and soft palate can collapse to the back of your throat, which can block your airway, causing you to snore. Instead, try to sleep on your side.
Elevate your head
Raising the head of your bed by four inches can help reduce snorting by allowing your airway to stay more open.
Use a humidifier
A humidifier can help add moisture to the air, reducing loud snores by preventing the airway from drying out.
Avoid alcohol
Your throat muscles may collapse and obstruct your airway because alcohol relaxes them.
Lose weight
Being overweight can increase fatty tissue in the back of your throat, which can block your airway and lead to this issue.
Exercise
Exercise can reduce this issue by strengthening the muscles in your throat. Try nasal strips: Nasal strips can help open your nostrils so air can pass more freely, reducing loud snoring.
Avoid allergens
Allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander can cause inflammation in the airways, leading to loud snores. Try to keep your bedroom as allergen-free as possible.
Is there any Medical Treatment for Snoring?
Yes, there are a variety of medical treatments available for this problem. Common treatments include lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery.
Medications such as anti-snoring devices, oral appliances, and nasal strips can also reduce snoring.
For more severe instances of loud snores, surgery is another possibility. These procedures range from removing excess tissue in the throat to implanting a small device in the soft palate.
In addition, several other non-invasive treatments may be recommended by a doctor, such as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines, which are used to keep the airway open during sleep.
The intensity and underlying causes of the issue will determine the most effective course of action for loud snores. The optimum course of therapy for you should thus be determined by consulting a physician.
Conclusion
Loud snores can be more than just an annoying habit. It may be a symptom of a serious medical disease that needs to be treated. If you snore every night, wake up feeling exhausted, have difficulty breathing during the day, have difficulty staying asleep, or you’re overweight or obese, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They can assist you in locating a solution that suits your needs.
