How can I treat my snoring?

Dear Ask The Doctor: I've began snoring while sleeping and waking my wife. What can be done to stop my snoaring?

Dear Ron: Snoring occurs due to the laxity of the muscles present in the throat which when collapsed, obstruct the airway. An important cause of snoring is obesity. This leads to decreased sleep and feeling of tiredness, decreased ability to concentrate and irritability. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused in long standing cases.

I would advise lifestyle modifications at first, which include weight loss, healthy diet, exercise and avoid alcohol. If these measures do not work then you may have to undergo sleep studies to see if you have any obstructive sleep apnea. Other treatment modalities include dental appliance that prevent the collapse of the airway, CPAP machine, and surgery.