Snoring – Its causes and remedies
The most common advice given to those who suffer from snoring is to first find out if they are at their ideal weight, and if not, remedy the situation and take it from there. Middle-Aged, overweight men are more prone to snoring, as are post-menopausal women. An important factor to take into consideration is that 90% of sufferers who lose weight either drastically reduce their snoring or eliminate it altogether.
Natural Snoring Remedies and Herbal Options
Due to the significance of keeping the nasal channel moist, a humidifier in the room with a few drops of Eucalyptus and Lavender essential oil dropped in the burner is beneficial. Other essential oils which assist in opening up the nasal passages are Ylang Ylang, Citrus, especially Orange Blossom, Patchouli and Tangerine.
An open bottle of marjoram oil next to the sleeper’s bedside assists with breathing, and steam breathed in just before sleep can help to moisten the passages. If in doubt, consult a qualified Aroma therapist, who will be able to assist with dosage and/or a specific brand which best suits the situation, for example an aromatherapy inhaler will reduce soft tissue movement, and because the snoring is caused by the vibration of these soft tissues, the contracting effect eliminates the root cause of the snoring.
Surgical Solutions to Alleviate Snoring
After all options mentioned above have been considered and found to be ineffective, the extreme end of the scale would be surgery of the throat or jaw. There are various types of surgery available, including Uvulopalatoplasty, wherein a large part of the uvula and part of the soft palate is removed. The uvula is comprised of connective tissue and muscular fibre, and is the funnel-shaped protuberance extending from the rear edge of the soft palate. This treatment is done in series, and is generally effective in treating mild snoring.
Palatal implantation is a relatively new treatment, in which small plastic implants are imbedded into the soft palate, which causes a build-up of scar tissue, thereby reducing the vibrations which cause snoring. Another procedure is Somnoplasty which is also a relatively minor process.
Radio frequency energy is sent to the tongue and soft palate via a customized electrode, which also causes scarring of the tissue. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty is a far more intensive form of surgery based on a similar principle to Uvulopalatoplasty, excepting that in this case a full third of the soft palate is removed, as well as the complete uvula. This procedure must be performed in a hospital by a certified surgeon, and requires a longer healing time.
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, Thermal Ablation Palatoplasty, Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy all eradicate tissue surgically, thereby increasing the extent of the airways and thus reducing the origin that the vibration stems from.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Surgical Treatment for Snoring
Obviously, there are always advantages and disadvantages to any type of surgery, these being no different. Some of the more obvious disadvantages are the fact that all surgical procedures, as well as anaesthesia, can be intrinsically unsafe. A number of treatments may need to be done, and there is always the possibility the jaw may need to be wired for a period of time.
Should the incorrect tissue be removed, the snoring can worsen and pain and swelling associated with the operation are potential, and in fact probable, side-effects. There is also the likelihood that food may travel upwards, into the nasal canal. Surgery is also very expensive, and many medical insurance companies don’t cover surgery of this nature.
The costs versus the outcome need to be considered carefully before making such a decision. A clear advantage to the surgery would be the successful elimination of the snoring, however it is advisable to first ensure that all other likely causes for the snoring are identified and eliminated before opting to go this route.
Consider Natural and Safer Options before Surgery for Snoring
Because snoring can be eliminated through basic, natural means, there is actually no need for expensive, potentially dangerous surgery, unless this has been advised by a medical practitioner. Sleep Apnea, of which snoring is a symptom, can be dangerous and potentially fatal, and must be monitored by a qualified physician.
That aside, there is no reason why snoring should remain a problem, or escalate into a crisis. If the situation does not improve at all, after all guidelines and natural remedies have been followed and attempted, the alternative would be to investigate the many anti-snoring devices available, such as ear plugs, mouth guards and dental devices which help to open the airways.
Generally speaking, it is only in extreme cases that all other avenues, once investigated thoroughly, will not be effective in eliminating, or at least drastically reducing the snoring, allowing peaceful, uninterrupted sleep.
Resources:
Stoppard, Miriam Health and Body Pan Macmillan (1981)
Hutton, Deborah Health for Life Crown (1994)
For more on this topic, also see: http://mindbodyfitness.suite101.com/article.cfm/the-causes-and-effects-of-snoring-in-everyday-life
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