What are the causes of rhoncopathy?
Snoring and the so-called Sleep Apnea Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome (SAHS) are included in the term Chronic Snoring.
Simple snoring is a respiratory sound produced in the upper airways (nose and throat) unaccompanied by respiratory arrest, also called apneas. It is produced by the vibration of the soft and flexible tissues in that area when it is narrowed.
Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome or SAHS is one in which the patient, in addition to presenting simple snoring, suffers throughout the night from repeated stops or complete respiratory cessation (apneas) or incomplete or partial (hypopnea).
The best known manifestation of this problem is snoring, but in more severe cases breathing may stop (apnea) for more than 10 seconds, resulting in episodes of interrupted sleep throughout the night. These episodes cause oxygen deficiency in the brain, which increases the risk of cardiovascular problems, diabetes or stroke. The affected person may also suffer from drowsiness, general fatigue or depression, as well as impaired concentration and reduced professional and personal performance.
The most common causes of snoring and apnea are:
- Obesity
- Nasal obstructions (polyps, deviated septum, tonsil hypertrophy).
- An overly large soft palate
- Flaccidity of the soft palate at the level of the uvula (uvula).
- Hypothyroidism
The common denominator in all situations is the fact that there is a permanent or functional narrowing, which may originate at various levels of the upper airway, producing an intense vibration on the walls of the pharynx, which transforms it into the sound we perceive as snoring.
Who is usually affected by this pathology?
Children and adults can be affected by this pathology. The factors that predispose to snoring are: lying on the back in bed, being male, being older, obesity, alcohol and tobacco consumption, taking relaxing medication or sleeping pills, and having a family history of snoring.
Can it be prevented in any way?
It is difficult to prevent snoring, but measures can be taken to improve it. Thus:
- Snoring is made worse by sleeping on the back, so sleeping in that position should be avoided.
- Dry air can irritate and inflame the nasal mucosa. A humidifier may be helpful.
- Some foods contain allergens that cause reactions and may contribute to airway narrowing. It would be convenient to identify them and study possible allergies.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages in the evening, as alcohol causes relaxation of the pharyngeal musculature, causing the air to vibrate as it passes through, resulting in snoring.
- Certain sleep medications worsen snoring and the severity of sleep apnea.
- Tobacco dries out and inflames the mucous membranes, so it is strongly discouraged.
- It may be helpful to elevate the head of the bed or use more than one pillow.
- Surgery may be an alternative, especially in cases of anatomical anomalies.
How does it affect the quality of life of the sufferer?
This pathology, if not properly diagnosed and treated, raises blood pressure, increases the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, causes excessive sleepiness and decreases the quality of life of patients who suffer from it. Therefore, it is pertinent to have the advice of specialists such as otolaryngologists to study and effectively treat all aspects involved in SAHS.
What does the treatment consist of?
The treatment requires teamwork between the ENT specialist and the Pneumologist together with the patient.
Thus, the treatment can be based on losing weight, changing lifestyle habits, giving up smoking and alcohol… Also using a nasal mask that supplies air under pressure controlled by a mechanical device (CPAP), and surgery.
Specifically, surgery can be useful in anatomical anomalies, such as nasal septum deviation or thickening of the uvula and soft palate. For years there have been non-invasive surgical techniques that are performed under local anesthesia, with rapid postoperative recovery. Likewise, mandibular advancement devices are a non-invasive alternative. They are a type of “dental caps” that are used while the patient sleeps, bringing the mandible forward with respect to the upper jaw, thus widening the retrolingual area. Thus, they make snoring and apneas disappear, being easy to use and with an easy adaptation process.