Stop Snoring Treatment - Snoring Medication

Apptoximately 50 million people are affected by snoring in the US. Remedies that are available range from snoring medications to anti snoring devices, and cost from a few dollars to over one thousand dollars. But do they really work?
Many claim to have gotten relief from snoring using medications that can be sprayed into the nostrils or down your throat. They act by lubricating and moisturizing the tissues of the throat to reduce the vibrations caused by air flowing through narrow airways.

Nose Sprays:

nose sprays coat the tissues of the nasal passages and throat to moisturize and tighten the tissues. It is the presence of excessive fat and tissues that cause snoring. As air travels through the airway, it vibrates against the tissues and loose muscles of the throat, which causes the sound that keeps everyone awake at night.

Throat Sprays:

Serve the same purpose of nose sprays by coating the throat with lubricants to prevent dryness, which is the result of mouth breathing while sleeping.

Pills:

An Anti snoring pill, known as BGC20-0166, is a combination of two serotonin-modulating drugs for use in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This pill is currently under developmental investigation for use in the United States.

Corticosteroid Sprays:

Are used when snoring is caused by nasal congestion. These medications work by reducing inflammation, which reduces congestion, resulting in decreased snoring.

Side effects of Corticosteroids:

The most common complaint is burning after spraying, as well as a bad after taste. Other complaints include:

• Dried mucous membranes


• Nose bleeds


• sores in the nose


• Perforated septum (the tissue separating the nostrils)

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult with their health care professional before using corticosteroids.Decongestants:

Decongestants serve to ease congestion in the nasal passages. This method can be used as a spray or taken orally in pill form. Decongestants narrow blood vessels, which decreases the blood supply to nasal membranes, thereby decreasing nasal congestion and the snoring caused by it. They take about 10 minutes to become effective and work for approximately 12 hours. I can personally attest to the effectiveness of Afrin nasal spray. It is an excellent product for eliminating a stuffy nose, particularly if you are fighting a head cold.

Side effects of decongestants:

• Hypertension


• Difficulty sleeping


• Irritability


• Headache


• Increased heart rate (tachycardia)


• May cause difficulty urinating in men with enlarged prostates.

It is of special note that not all people experience side effects of medications. It depends on your tolerance, as well as your current medical condition when taking any medication.

Homeopathic Medications:

Homeopathic compounds are derived from natural substances of plant, mineral, or animal origin. They are not habit forming, and help to stimulate the body's natural defense mechanisms. In most instances they do not react with other medications. It is always best to consult with your physician before taking any medication.

by Barb Hicks, RN