$Unique_ID{BRK00457}
$Pretitle{Community and Social Problems}
$Title{Problems With Snoring}
$Subject{snoring causes}
$Volume{Q-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Problems With Snoring


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  My problem is this:  I've had my nose broken 4 times playing
various sports.  Now I snore like a herd of stampeding buffalo.  My marriage
is suffering because my wife is a light sleeper.  Help me, please.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  Snoring is not a matter to be taken lightly, as it may be associated
with a number of quite serious situation, including sleep apnea.  That is a
condition in which the sleeper stops breathing for 10 seconds or more up to
300 times a night.  Of course, the obvious diagnosis in your case would be to
blame the problem on you poor beat up nose.  If the passage through which you
inhale air is obstructed, you have to pull harder to get the air in.  This
creates a partial vacuum effect that pulls the soft part of the airway
together and which vibrates as you breath causing the snoring.  However before
we condemn just your nose, you require a thorough examination of your nose,
mouth, palate throat and neck.  If your nose is the culprit there is a real
possibility that only surgery can correct the obstructive conditions that are
causing your sleep symphony.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
