Why Do We Snore? How Can it Be Cured?

Snoring can be one of the most annoying things, not to the snorer, but to individuals around him or her.

Before discussing what causes snoring, it is necessary to know the anatomy of the body involved in snoring. Snoring primarily affects the respiratory system, that is, the parts of the body used to breathe. When we inhale, air goes into our nose and travels down into our throat to an area called a pharynx (fa-rinc-s). From the pharynx, air goes into the trachea (windpipe) and to the lungs. Snoring occurs between the nose and pharynx.

All of the respiratory system stays open in a normal, relaxed state. Snoring are cause when the walls of the airway collapse and touch. There for when air is passing through the airway that is closed, it has to be forced open. Some form of vibration occurs when the air passes through and the airway collapses again, due to air turbulence. This is what causes the sound heard in snoring.

Occasional snoring may sometimes occur because of simple things. These include nasal congestion from an allergy or the flu, certain sleep positions, extreme tiredness and certain medications or 'depressants'.

A depressant is not for depression, but usually reduces action wherever it is specified for. Some depressants include alcohol, or certain narcotics. The parts that make up our respiratory system are very soft, and somewhat floppy. So when we lay flat, they tend to fall down and obstruct the air passage.

Persons who are overweight have too much fat around their necks and throats. Therefore when they lie down, the fat moves up and forces the walls of the airway to collapse. This leads to snoring. Other causes may include a small jawbone and inflammation of the airway.

Simple, non invasive methods exist for treating snoring. For overweight persons, the most obvious thing to do is to lose weight, and more importantly body fat. People, who consume alcohol or other depressants before sleep, should avoid them at this time. Persons, who experience snoring when lying flat, should elevate themselves on several pillows to avoid it. Snore pillows are also available.

Many store bough snoring aids are available. Some resemble mouth guards used for sports. Others are place on top the nose, to widen the airway.

In more serious cases, persons are fitted with a device, similar to ones found in hospitals, which send a continuous stream of air into the airway, keeping it open.

If none of these methods work, surgery is the last option. All aim to stiffen the floppy part of the respiratory tract. They include radio frequency ablation, which uses heat to stiffen these parts and the pillar procedure, which inserts plastic pillars into the floppy parts, making them stiff.

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Liam's passion in life is writing. His favourite topics are online business, health and fitness. He also enjoys writing on his website [http://www.chairsforbaby.org/] which reviews and lists the best Chairs For Baby [http://www.chairsforbaby.org/] and information you really need to know.

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