Snoring

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Snoring

Snoring is a sound a person makes during sleep when his or her breathing is disrupted. Usually there is some type of blockage, such as swollen tissue, in one or more of the passages from the mouth or nose to the lungs.

The sound is made by tissues inside the airway vibrating and knocking against the back of the throat. It can be soft, loud, raspy, harsh, hoarse, or fluttering.

Snoring is treated through lifestyle changes such as:

Losing weight if necessary.
Quitting smoking.
Improving sleep habits, such as sleeping on the side rather than on the back.
Avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bed.
Using nasal strips, decongestants, and inhaled corticosteroid. These may be used if snoring is caused by congestion.
Using oral breathing devices, which improve airflow by pushing the tongue and jaw forward.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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