Snoring and Elderly - Why Elderly Snore, Treatments, and Solutions

There are many factors that cause one to snore, but in the elderly there is a special consideration that relates to age. As we age, the risk for snoring increases, and men are more affected by it than women. There are also important differences related to gender.

Causes of snoring:

• Age


• Some medications


• Obesity


• Excess fatty tissue in the throat area


• Obstruction caused by the tongue, enlarged tonsils, and other structures of the mouth and throat


• Alcohol use

One of the primary reasons for snoring in the elderly has to do with age. As we age, the risk for snoring, as well as sleep apnea increases. Sleep apnea and snoring are very closely related because both are due to obstruction of the airway, or trachea.

Complications:

Snoring and sleep apnea are further complicated by underlying chronic health conditions such as:

• Coronary heart disease


• Congestive heart failure


• Emphysema


• Depression

It is well documented in the medical field the association between cardiovascular disease and mortality among the elderly. An elderly person experiencing day time sleepiness may be having frequent awakenings during the night due to snoring and periods of sleep apnea.

Gender differences exist such as:

• Higher risk of congestive heart failure in women, not seen in men.


• Difficulty falling asleep was more common among women, whereas snoring was more common among men.

Treatments and Solutions:

• Snoring can be treated a number of ways, which can include:


• Positioning: Sleep on your side instead of your back.


• Mouth Guard: Repositions the lower jaw and tongue to prevent them from blocking the trachea.


• Nasal Strips: Worn on the bridge of the nose and across the nostrils to keep nasal passages open for easier breathing


• Snoring pillow: Elevates the head while sleeping and prevents obstruction


• Nasal and Throat sprays: Help to lubricate the the nostrils and throat, which reduces the vibrations of snoring


• Drink in moderation: Alcohol, as well as some medications can be causes for snoring due to their relaxation effects.


• Learning to breathe through the nose instead of the mouth, which works in the absence of nasal congestion.

Surgical Procedures:

Pillar implants that add structural support to the soft palate
uvulopalatoplasty (shortening an elongated uvula), which can reduce or eliminate snoring.
The palate an be stiffened by scarring it with an injectable scarring solution (injection snoreplasty)
Radiofrequency Tissue Reduction (RFTR) involves using a needle to pierce the tongue, throat, or soft palate.

If you or someone you know is showing signs and symptoms of snoring or sleep apnea, make an appointment with your health care professional to voice your concerns and to get proper testing and diagnosis. Snoring and OSAS left untreated can result in unexpected complications and life threatening events. Your doctor will be able to offer the appropriate treatment for a better quality of life.

by Barb Hicks, RN