Snoring occurs when air passes through the throat and causes your soft tissue to vibrate. Snoring can affect everyone, but generally overweight males are affected by it the most. Occasional snoring is usually not a sign of trouble, but frequent snorers may be at risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). 50% of frequent snorers have OSA.
Individuals that snore frequently are at a higher risk of carotid atherosclerosis, which is the narrowing of the arteries in the neck because of fatty deposits, and this increases the chances of stroke.
Risk of stroke doubles in men who experience mild sleep apnea, and triples for men who experience moderate to severe sleep apnea.
Snoring is not something that should be ignored. If you are a snorer, you may be at risk of OSA. A simple screening test that measures your oxygen levels and pulse during the night can help determine if a sleep study to test for OSA is necessary.
Do you snore?
If you live in the Sidney, OH area and snore, consider scheduling an appointment with Dr. Van Treese. He will be able to suggest a treatment that is right for you to help your snoring.