Common Causes Of Snoring

Snoring is caused when the tongue or loose tissues in the mouth and throat sag while the surrounding throat muscles are in a relaxed state (sleep).

This stops the regular airflow from going smoothly through the throat.

Sometimes the tongue may fall back into the throat whenever the jaw drops down, causing the airway to become narrower.

The pressure under which the air passes through the blocked throat could then double or triple, depending on how fast the air flows through, creating noisy vibrations.

First rule out possible common causes of snoring before trying drastic measures, such as: - Infections, - Sinusitis, - Allergies and hay fever, - Deviated septum, - Nasal polyps, - Enlarged tonsils and adenoids.

Your doctor can treat these conditions and your snoring should then improve.

The tonsils are designed to be the first line of defense to bacteria and viruses.

They swell when they are fighting infections, and so close up the throat.

Sometimes they don't return to their normal size, block the airway and commonly cause snoring.

The soft palate is the flap of tissue that hangs down in the back of the mouth. If it is too long or floppy, it can vibrate and cause snoring.

The uvula hangs from the center and back of the soft palate. An abnormally long or thick uvula also can contribute to snoring.

People with nasal obstructions breathe through their mouths. They often snore because the flow of air through the mouth causes more vibration of tissues.

As we age, our muscles lose tone and become looser and softer, and the throat narrows.

You can inherit a narrower throat, large tongue or have enlarged adenoids or a cleft palate which contribute to snoring.

Women have wider throats generally than men and usually snore less.

Chronic sinus problems, asthma or allergies make breathing difficult and lead to snoring.

Being overweight leaves are fatty deposits in the throat and being very unfit leads to poor muscle tone, both of which commonly cause snoring.

Alcohol, smoking, and medications can relax muscles even more.

When you lie on your back, the soft tissues fall back and block the airway. This common cause of snoring is usually the easiest to treat, as there are ways of adjusting your posture.

...If you snore with your mouth closed, this is likely to indicate a floppy or over-large tongue.

...If your mouth is open, tissues in your throat may be the culprits.

...If your snore all the time, a closer look at other treatment is necessary.

Anyone can become a snorer. An estimated 47% of men and 32% of women are habitual snorers.

Often snoring is the temporary result of a cold, respiratory infection, alcohol consumed (alcohol is a depressant) or when taking some medications, and is not a permanent condition.

The common causes of snoring can range widely but there are many solutions on offer as well.

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