Snoring is usually only considered as bad habits while sleeping because it disturbs the people around. Even thoughquite common, snoring should not be taken lightly because sometimes it can be a sign of a dangerous disease.
The habit of snoring sleep can be experienced by anyone, but this generally occurs in men and people who are obese. This condition may be caused by excess fat that accumulates around the neck, causing disturbed breath flow during sleep.
When snoring, a person can experience sleep apnea, with the main characteristic is snoring until awakened. Apart from obesity, snoring can also be caused by fatigue or other medical conditions, such as a deviated septum, deformities of the nose, throat, or mouth, and sinusitis.
Snoring and the Risk of Accompanying Disease
Some people may have tonsils or large tongues that can narrow or block the airway, causing snoring during sleep. In addition, you are also at risk of snoring if you frequently drink alcohol or have a family history of snoring.
In certain cases, snoring can be associated with an increased risk of various dangerous diseases, such as:
1. Respiratory disorders
People who often snore during sleep are at high risk for experiencing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or obstructive sleep apnea.
People with OSA may stop breathing for 10–20 seconds while they sleep. This condition can cause breathing problems due to closed airways and reduce oxygen levels in the body.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious health problem that needs to be watched out for. If not treated properly, this disease can lead to dangerous complications in the form of sudden cardiac arrest which can lead to death.
2. GERD
People who often sleep snore and experience sleep apnea can also be more at risk of experiencing acid reflux disease (GERD). This condition occurs when the muscular wall of the stomach and esophagus becomes weak, so that food and what is digested by the stomach along with stomach acid rises back up into the esophagus.
3. Headaches and insomnia
Various studies say that people who sleep snore because sleep apnea more often experience sleep disturbances or insomnia and complaints of headaches. This is due to poor sleep quality due to snoring and the reduced amount of oxygen in the body.
4. Stroke
People who snore often can also be more at risk of blockage or narrowing of blood vessels in the neck and brain. This over time can trigger a stroke. The risk of stroke will be higher, if people who snore also have a history of hypertension and high cholesterol.
5. Heart rhythm disorders
Research shows that people who experience obstructive sleep apnea in the long term can experience an enlarged heart. This can then increase the risk of arrhythmias or heart rhythm disturbances.
6. Pregnancy complications
Snoring sleep problems sleep apnea It can also affect pregnant women. Some research says that pregnant women who have sleep disorders sleep apnea are at higher risk of developing pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia.
Not only that, this sleep problem can also have an impact on the health and development of the fetus.
In addition to the risk of causing the disease above, snoring can also cause various other complaints, such as difficulty concentrating, forgetting easily, being often sleepy, and often negligent at work and activities.
To determine the cause of snoring complaints, the doctor may perform several examinations, such as a physical examination, sleep study, and investigations, including X-rays, CT scans, or MRI of the respiratory tract.
After the cause of snoring is known, the doctor can provide treatment to overcome it, either in the form of medication, surgery, or other steps, such as reducing the patient's weight to make it more ideal. To improve sleep quality, you can also try applying sleep hygiene.
Snoring is often considered a normal thing. However, if this habit has been going on for too long and bothers those around you or makes you experience certain complaints, you should consult a doctor for proper examination and treatment.
