Cardiovascular specialist Dr. Polina Kontsiadailo has announced that "snoring may indicate certain diseases a person is suffering from." The doctor states, "Initially, snoring may signal the presence of otolaryngological diseases that cause difficulty breathing through the nose, such as rhinitis, sinusitis, benign tumors in the nose, a deviated septum, chronic tonsil diseases, and polyps." According to her, snoring may result from anatomical features of facial skeletal structure, neurological and muscular diseases, and decreased thyroid function. Additionally, overweight and obesity trigger snoring as the increase in fat deposits in the soft tissues of the pharynx narrows it.
Snoring may also indicate menopause, alcohol use, smoking, or the consumption of certain medications. She notes that "quiet, consistent snoring that occurs while lying down does not harm health. However, loud snoring that occurs while lying on one's back often indicates sleep apnea. This is a condition characterized by partial or complete cessation of breath during sleep. It is observed that individuals suffering from this condition often complain of headaches, daytime drowsiness, irritability, lack of concentration, burning sensations, sweating, choking, and frequent nighttime urination."
The doctor warns that sleep apnea exacerbates the course of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, respiratory illnesses, epilepsy, and clinical depression. There is an increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. Therefore, she advises those suffering from sleep apnea to consult a specialist in snoring treatment, an otolaryngologist, and a sleep specialist. It may also require consultation with a neurologist, orthodontist, or endocrinologist.
