Snoring
“Rhonchopathy” is the medical term for the phenomenon known as “snoring.” It refers to noisy nighttime breathing—regardless of whether it is caused by an illness or not. Someone who snores may simply be annoying to their sleeping partner, or they might be suffering from a serious medical condition. It is important to clarify this, and to understand the causes of snoring as well as what can be done about it.
Causes of Snoring
Snoring occurs when structures in the throat begin to vibrate due to airflow. We recognize this effect from holding two sheets of paper together and blowing across their edges.
Narrowings can occur at various points along the airway—known as “levels”—such as in the nasal passages, the soft palate, or the base of the tongue. These obstructions may appear individually or in combination.
Treatment with a mandibular advancement splint primarily addresses the backward collapse of the tongue, also partially stabilizes the soft palate, and thereby helps to widen the airway.
Breathing Sounds
Breathing sounds are normal. When airflow passes anatomical structures, turbulence can lead to the creation of sounds. This hissing or sometimes whistling noise can occur during inhalation or exhalation. It only becomes a health concern when it leads to a temporary lack of oxygen.
Primary Snoring
A distinction is made between “primary snoring” and “obstructive sleep apnea.”
In primary snoring, the body’s oxygen supply is not significantly affected by the snoring. The main issue is the noise disturbance.
In contrast, with obstructive sleep apnea, the blood oxygen level drops, which can lead to serious health problems.