“General public assumes “Snoring” to be a healthy sign and don’t even consider it something that may lead to a fatal disease later. In fact, most of the people consider it a sign of Luck. Snoring in middle-aged people is normal when its lesser in number and frequency. Its called as Light Snoring or Socially Acceptable Snoring. Snoring when becomes loud to the extent that it starts disturbing the patient and bedpartner, then it becomes a problem. This kind of snoring is called as pathological snoring or snoring that is not socially acceptable. Loud snoring shouldn’t be taken lightly as it may lead to obstruction in breathing which may lead to Sleep Apnea and other co-morbid conditions may develop like hypertension, late onset of diabetes & sexual disorders etc. The patients suffering from sleep apnea complain about daytime sleepiness, lack of concentration etc. Sleep Apnea is not limited to male adults, the prevalence is equivalent in female adults and even in children it is increasing due to childhood obesity. Obesity is a major factor of developing Sleep Apnea. Diagnosis of this disease is made via Sleep Test which is also known as Polysomnography. This is one night study of around 6-8 hours in which several parameters are measured like oxygen level, breath per minute, body movement, quality of sleep & level of snoring and apnea episodes during the whole night. Without Sleep study, the severity & type of sleep apnea couldn’t be established. Sleep study can also be conducted at home which is called as Home Sleep Test (HST). Sleep apnea is a mortal disease and awareness about this disease is required at greater level so that proper diagnosis and timely treatment could be initiated.”

Consultant Pulmonologist
Ex-HOD (Nishter Hospital, Multan)