Conguides are a common phenomenon that many people consider harmless. However, when they are frequent, intense and are accompanied by breathing pauses, they could be a symptom of a sleep disorder that seriously affects health. Can snakes be dangerous? Science says yes, and that in certain cases, it is necessary to seek specialized medical attention.
“Conglids occur when the air flow through the mouth and the nose is partially clogged during sleep, which makes the soft tissues of the throat vibrate,” explains Eduardo Castillo, internist doctor. This vibration produces the characteristic sound that can vary in intensity.
The causes can be temporary, such as nasal, or structural congestion, such as a deviation from the nasal septum, large tonsils or excess weight.
Although in most cases it is an annoying problem more than dangerous, experts warn that snoring can often be a sign of a more serious disorder.
When snoring are not normal
The main concern in relation to snoring is the obstructive sleep apnea (AOS), a condition in which breathing stops intermittently while the person sleeps. “This interruption can occur dozens or even hundreds of times per night, which affects the oxygenation of the body and fragments the rest,” says Carlos López, otorrino.
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), a person with unreasonable sleep apnea has a greater risk of developing:
- Arterial hypertension
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Strokes
- Type 2 diabetes
- Severe diurnal sleepiness and traffic accidents
When to consult the doctor?
Doctors recommend going to a doctor when snoring are presented next to the following symptoms:
- Respiratory Pauses noted by another person during sleep
- Jadeos or night suffocation
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability or humor changes
- Frequent awakenings for no apparent reason
If one or more of these signs occur, it is possible that the patient requires a sleep study (polysomnography) to obtain an accurate diagnosis.
Treatments
The treatment will depend on the underlying cause, says López. In mild cases, lifestyle modifications can be enough:
- Lose weight
- Avoid alcohol and sedatives before sleeping
- Sleep sideways
- Maintain good sleep hygiene
In more severe cases, “doctors can recommend the use of devices such as CPAP (continuous positive pressure on the airway), which keeps the airways open during sleep. There are also corrective surgeries and oral devices for certain patients,” López adds.
Ignoring chronic snoring not only affects sleep quality, but also health in general and family life. Bad rest can affect labor productivity, mood and personal relationships.