Snoring medical therapy

Almost all treatment for snoring revolves around clearing the blockage in the breathing passage. This is the reason snorers are advised to lose weight (to stop fat from pressing on the throat), to stop smoking (smoking weakens and clogs the throat), and to sleep on their side (to prevent the tongue from blocking the throat).

It is important, when trying to treat snoring to first identify the cause of the snoring. The treatment modality can then be specifically targeted at the identified cause of snoring in the individual case.

Devices such as nose clips can dilate the nostrils and other devices can alter jaw mechanics to keep the jaw in an optimum position. Different aids and practices may work for different people. According to the British Medical Journal, playing the didgeridoo can also help, as it increases muscle usage in the throat.^[1] However, snoring is a recognized medical problem and people who snore should always seek professional medical advice before relying on techniques which may mask symptoms (i.e. snoring) but not treat the underlying condition.

A large number of product manufacturers and vendors offer “non-surgical” snoring treatments which are promoted as “cures” or “treatment” for snoring. Some examples include ‘throat lubricants’, moulded pillows, accupressure devices and herbal sprays. Such products are frequently offered for sale on the Internet and are generally attractive as their low price (and the potential for avoiding a trip to the doctor) encourage people to “have a go” and try them to see if they work. Given the complexity of snoring, in general, such ‘cures’ are of little benefit.^[2]

However, snoring may be helped by using the Buteyko Method as Buteyko has been shown to reduce the volume of air automatically breathed by 31% within three months of starting a course.[PMID 9887897] Since snoring is the sound of a person breathing forcefully through narrowed airways, when breathing is done with less force, as is likely to happen by using the Buteyko Method, then the snoring sound is likely to decrease.

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