Ronflement

Ronflement, or snoring, is the noise produced during sleep by vibration of respiratory structures as air flows through a narrowed or relaxed upper airway. Snoring is common and varies in severity; it can occur occasionally or become persistent. While many people snore without health problems, loud or frequent snoring can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a disorder in which breathing stops or slows during sleep and which carries potential health risks.

Causes and contributing factors include anatomical factors such as a narrow throat, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, a long soft palate, or a deviated septum; relaxation of throat muscles during sleep; obesity; nasal congestion; alcohol or sedative use; and sleeping on the back. In children, enlarged tonsils or adenoids can cause snoring; persistent snoring in children warrants evaluation.

Diagnosis typically starts with medical history and physical examination. Sleep studies, such as polysomnography, may be used to diagnose OSA or assess its severity, especially if snoring is loud, frequent, or accompanied by witnessed apneas or daytime symptoms.

Treatment depends on the cause and severity. For primary snoring, lifestyle measures such as weight management, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, treating nasal congestion, and positional changes to avoid back-sleeping can help. For OSA, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is commonly effective; oral appliances that advance the jaw may help some individuals; and surgery is considered in selected cases. In children, addressing nasal obstruction or adenotonsillar enlargement is common.

Management aims to reduce noise, improve sleep quality, and address any associated health risks. Regular evaluation by a healthcare professional guides care.