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Snoring is a not a disease but it may be a symptom of one. Researchers at Oregon Health and Science University have determined some of the factors that cause snoring. They include poor muscle tone, long uvula, long soft palate, nose blocks, bulky tissues in throat etc. Many of these problems need surgery, but mild and moderate snoring can be cured by changes to lifestyle.

Some cases of snoring can be treated by encouraging a healthy life style, including sufficient exercise and a balanced diet can reduce snoring. Alcohol and any kind of tobacco use will increase snoring, and should be avoided. Often sleeping pills or other sedatives can cause snoring. These should be avoided unless absolutely necessary and with a doctor’s recommendation. Following healthy sleeping habits will help snoring problems. Sometimes heavy pillows that elevate the head more than normal can help. They improve breathing that prevents snoring. Heavy meals at night can make the problem worse and should be avoided. A regular sleeping pattern also helps.

Sometimes more serious medical intervention is necessary. Snorers should seek a doctor’s care if their problem is serious or leads to serious sleep apnea. A doctor can Your will decide what treatment is required for snoring after factoring in age, physical health and other conditions. Pregnancy often makes the need to seek doctor’s care particularly urgent. Snoring can also be a symptom of another disease. Hypertension, stroke and other diseases including depression and obesity can cause snoring. Often treatment of these other conditions will alleviate the snoring. Using any nasal devices to open the nasal passage that allow free flow will help reduce snoring and increase the quality of sleep.

An Oregon medical group specializes in analyzing the cause of snoring and treating it. Dr. Lipman is an ENT specialist in Oregon who devoted his career to treating snoring and other sleeping disorders. In his book he has written in detail about snoring problems and the relevant treatments. He suggests surgical treatments to heavy snorers who can not get relief from snoring after trying all the changes in life style. Such heavy snorers may not get relief through various nose and mouth pieces available in the market. Surgical or laser treatment is the only way to cure them. The surgeon will enlarge the throat by removing tonsils and some parts of long soft palate. This will help to clear the nasal passage and you ca breathe easily by nose. This in turn will reduce snoring. Most of the people found relief after they got surgical treatment.

Oregon Health and Science University, Portland has done a research in the field of snoring and sleep apnea. Those who snore heavily usually suffer from sleep apnea more. Treatment to sleep apnea will reduce or even eliminate snoring. The Oregon Health and Science University suggests the use of nasal masks to prevent snoring, especially for those who have breathing problems. The nasal mask can provide sufficient air flow through your nose. Surgery may be necessary if these treatments don’t work. Before starting medical treatment, your doctor will consider the extent of snoring problem, your age and medical history.