I've been snoring for 10 years, and the noise often keeps my family members awake. Is my condition curable, and if so, what methods are available? (Tuan, 45 years old, Hai Phong ).
Reply:
Snoring is a common phenomenon that most of us will experience at least once in our lives. If snoring only occurs occasionally, it's not a cause for concern. This condition can be caused by sleeping position (lying on your back), nasal congestion, the use of sedatives or alcohol before sleep, etc. People who snore simply need to avoid these triggers to stop.
However, in some people, snoring occurs frequently and lasts for many years. The causes are mostly due to sleep apnea syndrome, nasal and throat abnormalities, obesity, etc.
If a patient has been snoring for 10 years, they should visit a hospital with a respiratory specialist for examination and accurate diagnosis of the cause, in order to receive appropriate treatment. In addition, lifestyle changes such as sleeping on their side instead of their back, avoiding alcohol before bedtime, and keeping the body warm, especially the nose and throat area, to prevent nasal congestion, can help improve the condition.
Chronic snoring can be treated or its symptoms alleviated depending on the cause. In cases of snoring caused by sleep apnea, up to 90% of symptoms can be improved with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. This is currently the most common and effective treatment method. Patients wear a mask that covers their nose or both nose and mouth; the pressure from the machine prevents airway collapse during sleep, thereby reducing snoring. CPAP machines are currently used in several hospitals with specialized respiratory departments, including Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi .
In cases of snoring caused by abnormalities in the nasopharynx such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum, surgery may be necessary. If snoring is due to obesity, simply losing weight will reduce or eliminate the pressure of excess fat on the neck.
Many people believe that snoring indicates a person is sleeping soundly, and that this is a good thing. However, in reality, snoring significantly impacts health. Those suffering from snoring often wake up in the middle of the night due to gasping for breath or a feeling of suffocation, and upon waking, experience fatigue, headaches, and daytime sleepiness. In cases of snoring caused by sleep apnea, the risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and sudden death during sleep increases. Snoring also affects the sleep of the person sleeping next to them, leading to strained relationships.
Master of Science, Doctor Phung Thi Thom
Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tam Anh General Hospital, Hanoi
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