What Causes Snoring?
Snoring is caused by the what causes snoring of tissues in your mouth and throat, including adenoids, the soft palate, and your tongue. This vibration happens when you breathe, and the resulting sound can be quiet in people with open airways or a rattling, rumbling, or whistling in those with narrowed airways. Several things can cause this to happen, such as alcohol, sleeping on your back, obesity, smoking, or enlarged tonsils and adenoids.
Although snoring is not harmful on its own, it can be an indication of sleep apnea, which may pose serious health risks if left untreated. If you snore and are experiencing other symptoms such as feeling drowsy during the day, choking or gasping for breath while asleep, waking up frequently, or having morning headaches, you should consider seeing a doctor for further evaluation.
What Causes Snoring? Exploring the Reasons Behind It
Some medical conditions can contribute to snoring, such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), nasal congestion from allergies, and genetic syndromes that affect the structure of the face and jaw. Some medications can also be a contributing factor such as antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and sleeping pills. In some cases, doctors can prescribe a decongestant, a nightly sedative, or a chin strap to help with snoring, as well as a device called mandibular advancement to move the tongue forward into a more open position. In more serious cases, doctors can recommend a home or overnight lab study to examine your sleep and breathing, as well as an X-ray or MRI, and possibly a surgical procedure.