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The phenomenon is caused by the vibration of some tissues through which the air passes when we breathe. The most frequent noise is caused by the passage of air in the soft part of the palate (roof of the mouth) and in the uvula (bell), inside the buccal cavity. The tongue, in some cases, also vibrates, accentuating the noise. The phenomenon can be triggered by a series of factors, such as enlargement of the tonsils or adenoid (tissue inside the nose), deviation of the nasal septum or, in the case of alcohol or tranquilizers, which cause an increase in tissue flaccidity. That last one is a key issue, because when we sleep, the tissues relax and become more flaccid – that’s why we only snore in our sleep. “Snoring, by itself, does not represent a problem, but it can be dangerous when associated with apnea, which consists of momentary stops in breathing during sleep”, explains otorhinolaryngologist Gilberto Formigoni, from the University of São Paulo (USP).
Apnea can cause a reduction in oxygenation of various organs, such as the brain, causing daytime sleepiness, irritability and memory loss, among other effects.
Tissue relaxation and deep breathing create the characteristic snoring sound.
1. The most common type of snoring is caused by vibration at two points – the palate (roof of the mouth) and the uvula (bell).
2. Noise can also be caused by vibration of the soft tissues inside the nose
3. When we sleep, these structures are more relaxed – and our breathing is deeper and heavier. Both factors make tissue vibration much louder.
Expulsion of foreign bodies is the reason for coughing
The respiratory system detects the presence of foreign bodies in the pathways that take air to the lungs – particles of dust or phlegm, for example.
The body’s immediate reaction to these intruders is a strong contraction of the diaphragm (solar plexus), resulting in a sudden expulsion of air from the lungs.