What is Snoring?

• Snoring is the sound a person makes through their nose when they are sleeping. The sound is a result of an obstruction in the person's airway. Usually a friend or family member must point out the snoring since it occurs at night when an individual is sleeping. It is important to investigate the cause of the snoring, because snoring many times is combined with another condition that may be more serious. One of those such conditions is sleep apnea.
  
  

Blockages

• Snoring occurs because of a blockage in the airway. Sometimes this can be fatty tissue or a weakness in the throat that causes the throat to close up. A person can also have a jaw out of position or any type of blockage. These can all lead to snoring. When an individual lies down to go to sleep, the blockages are kept upright, so they begin to obstruct the airway. That is why snoring only occurs when a person is asleep and not when they are awake.
  
  

Relief From Snoring

• For minor snoring a sufferer can try some Breathe Right Strips. These open the nasal passages up to allow more air to flow through. A sufferer can also lay on their side so that their tongue doesn't get in the way. Someone who is overweight can lose weight, so the fat obstruction can go away. Quitting smoking will also lessen the clogs that form in the throat. If these simple methods don't work, a sufferer needs to seek professional medical advice.
  
  

Professional Help

• For severe snorers, medical intervention may be the only answer. There are several things that can be done. First, a dentist can make you a splint that will lower your jaw and pull your tongue in. Second, you can sleep with an airway pressure machine. You place the mask over your nose while you are sleeping, and it pumps air down your airway for you. Finally, you can consider surgery. Surgery doesn't always work, but tissue is removed from the back of the throat to make more room. Only a doctor can help you make the decision that is right for you.