Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Snoring
Introduction
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Overview
Overview
Snoring is a loud, hoarse, or harsh breathing sound that occurs during sleep.
Pathophysiology
Snoring is the vibration of respiratory structures, resulting in an audible sound. Snoring is caused by an obstruction of normal breathing air movement while sleeping. The sound may be soft or loud and unpleasant. Snoring is usually an involuntary act, but may also be produced voluntarily.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Pathophysiology
Overview
Snoring is the vibration of respiratory structures, resulting in an audible sound. Snoring is caused by an obstruction of normal breathing air movement while sleeping. The sound may be soft or loud and unpleasant. Snoring is usually an involuntary act, but may also be produced voluntarily.
Pathophysiology
The vibrating structures producing the noise are usually the uvula and soft palate. Irregular airflow may be caused by a blockage and is often due to conditions such as:
- Throat weakness causing the throat to close during sleep
- Mispositioned jaw, often caused by tension in muscles
- Fat gathering in and around the throat
- Obstruction in the nasal passageway
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Causes
Causes
- Aging
- Alcohol abuse
- Allergies
- Bronchitis
- Decreased lung volume
- Deviated septum
- Enlarged adenoids
- Enlarged tongue
- Enlarged tonsils
- Eustachian tube infection
- Gigantism
- Hyperplasia of the tonsils
- Hypothyroidism
- Irritant inhalation
- Loose side walls
- Loss of general muscle tone
- Nerve weakness
- Obesity
- Sedatives
- Sensitivity to increased CO2 levels in the blood
- Sleep apnea
- Sinusitis
- Small jaw
- Small nasal valves
- Smoke
- Thick and long soft palate
- Thickening of muscles in front of spinal column
- Tonsillitis
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Differentiating Snoring from other Diseases
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References
Epidemiology and Demographics
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Epidemiology and Demographics
Statistics on snoring are often contradictory, but at least 30% of adults and perhaps as many as 50% of people in some demographics snore.[1][2] A survey of 5713 Italian residents identified habitual snoring in 24% of men and 13.8% of women, rising to 60% of men and 40% of women aged 60 to 65 years, suggesting an increased susceptibility to snoring as age increases.[3]
References
- ↑ “Prevalence of Snoring Statistics”. The Vancouver Sleep & Breathing Centre.
- ↑ “New Vaccine Could Cure Snoring (statistics insert)”. BBC News. 2001-09-19. Check date values in:
|date=(help) - ↑ “Some epidemiological data on snoring and cardiocirculatory disturbances”. Lugaresi E., Cirignotta F., Coccoagna G. et al. (1980), Sleep 3, 221–224.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Risk Factors
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References
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
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References
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Treatment
Medical Therapy | Surgery | Secondary Prevention | Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy | Future or Investigational Therapies | Social Impact
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]