SNORING
Snoring frequently
causes disrupted sleep for the snorer and family. Impaired
sleep and its consequences are now known to be major public health
issues. While those around them may be unhappy due to
snoring, it is the snorer who often is at greater risk.
Snoring may interrupt sleep in subtle ways preventing deep restorative
levels of sleep (REM sleep). Chronic sleep deprivation impairs
driving and work performance. Snoring is caused by turbulent
airflow through the mouth and nose due usually to physical obstruction.
Changes in the airway size during sleep may occur as a result of
relaxation of the muscles of the palate or uvula, enlarged tonsils
or adenoids, nasal septal deviation or nasal congestion due to allergies.
Alcohol can exacerbate snoring since it further relaxes the muscles.
Our view is that
anyone with snoring should be evaluated for allergies if they have
some allergic nasal symptoms. In addition to allergy testing,
we believe an assessment of nasal anatomy is vital. You may
be screened for sleep apnea and referred for additional
studies as needed. Before your visit, you may take the Epworth
Sleepiness Scale. This validated questionnaire is a useful
screening tool for sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious
medical disorder characterized by multiple subtle nighttime awakenings
and daytime fatigue. It can also be a cause of headaches,
high blood pressure and depression. Patients at risk for sleep
apnea are those with high blood pressure (30% of such patients)
and obesity. Snoring itself does not cause sleep apnea.
However, snoring and labored breathing with apnea periods (reduced
number of breaths per minute) merit further evaluation by a specialist.
|
