Symptoms
Production of sounds through the upper airway during sleep. Snoring is very common and is reported to occur in 25-40% of the population.
Complications
Snoring is primarily a social problem, for example in relationships, in military service, on vacation, in tents or mass camps. In other words, whenever several people sleep together in a confined space. The listeners suffer from sleep disorders and may develop aggression or despair. For the snorers it is unpleasant to disturb other people’s sleep, they sometimes also complain about poor sleep quality, sleepiness during the day, fatigue and throat problems. Whether primary snoring poses health risks is not fully understood.
Risk factors
- Male gender
- Sleeping in supine position
- Blocked nose
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Overweight and obesity, large collar size.
- Sleeping pills and sedatives such as benzodiazepines.
Diagnosis
The sleeper can not observe himself snoring and give information about how often, how strongly or in what body position he snores. Therefore, the bed partner should be asked. Another option is to record the sounds.
Differential diagnosis
So-called primary (simple) snoring must be differentiated from sleep-related breathing disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). The syndrome manifests itself in the following complaints, among others: Snoring, brief cessations of breathing, waking up with coughing, severe sleepiness during the day, microsleep, no refreshment after sleeping, bedwetting, morning headaches, and lack of concentration. It requires greater attention because of the more pronounced symptoms and possible complications.
Nonpharmacologic treatment
- Aggravating factors and triggers such as smoking, alcohol, and obesity should be eliminated if possible.
- If certain sleeping positions play a role, the sleeper should avoid them. Special pillows and cushions for the bed are available in stores. Hard objects can also be sewn into appropriate places of the pajamas.
- Various surgical measures, such as removal of the tonsils, can relieve or remove the discomfort, depending on the cause.
- Separate bedrooms, leaving the bedroom.
Drug treatment
If possible, the cause should be treated. Hearing protection:
- Hearing protection made of foam, wax or other materials can provide relief to listeners. The disturbing sounds are noticeably muffled, but sometimes not completely removed. Those who sleep on their side only need to wear the hearing protection on one ear, as the other ear is protected by the pillow. Foam is slightly more comfortable to wear
Decongestant nasal sprays:
- Such as glucocorticoid nasal sprays, seawater, antihistamine nasal sprays, nasal rinses and nasal sympathomimetics help against a stuffy nose. Nasal sympathomimetics should be used only in the short term during a maximum of 5-7 days.
- Snoring sprays are moistening nasal sprays (eg Ronfnyl) or oral sprays (Snoreeze), which are sprayed into the nose or throat, depending on the product.
Nasal plasters:
- Special nose patches are stuck on the nose and are designed to mechanically open the nostrils, improving breathing.
Various medical products such as nasal dilators, palate plates, e.g. Snoreeze, Silence, oral and nasal sprays.
