Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Snoring is not a disease!
Sometimes, extreme tiredness, alcohol, medications, or a cold can contribute to the relaxation of the throat muscles, which can inhibit airflow and cause snoring. Some simple treatments and solutions can help the 40% of people in Hong Kong who suffer from snoring.
Modifying lifestyle habits such as not abusing sedatives or sleeping pills and avoiding drinking alcohol, especially before bed, are common anti-snoring solutions. If you think your snoring is related to sleep apnea and you need further treatment, a sleep test or sleep apnea check at our clinics in Hong Kong or Macau can provide a diagnosis and recommend the best course of action.
Snoring doesn’t mean you are suffering from sleep apnea
Snoring is only one of the common symptoms of sleep apnea. Patients with sleep apnea generally snore, but snoring is not always indicative of sleep apnea.
The volume and frequency of snoring is one facet of the diagnostic criteria that determines obstructive sleep apnea. Indicators for an otolaryngologists’ diagnosis include oxygen saturation (SaO2), the number of apnea (cessation of breathing) and hypopnea (blockage of the airway) events per hour of sleep. Together, this forms the (apnea-hypopnea index, AHI). Change of sleep positions and other factors are also taken into account.
If snoring adversely affects your family’s sleep quality, we strongly suggest consulting a medical practitioner and seeking appropriate treatment. There are plenty of anti-snoring solutions available that can help.
Think Your Snoring Is a Symptom of Sleep Apnea?
If your snoring is loud, persistent, and you have other symptoms, you may have sleep apnea. If you believe your snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea and needs further treatment, get in touch with one of our clinics.
