At first, it might seem unrelated to the procedure. After all, what does snoring have to do with anaesthesia? But according to Dr Sulaiman Ladhani, Consultant Pulmonology, Wockhardt<\/a> Hospitals, Mumbai<\/a> Central, \u201cWhile occasional snoring can be harmless, frequent or loud snoring may be an early sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition that can increase the risk of breathing problems during and after surgery.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and\/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n \u201cSnoring doesn\u2019t have to be harmless since in certain individuals it may be a sign of a narrowed or partially blocked airway while asleep, leading to the possibility of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA),\u201d explains Dr Ladhani.<\/p>\n \u201cSuch people are more prone to experiencing breathing interruptions, having lower oxygen levels at night, and being at a greater risk of difficult airway management and breathing-related complications both during and after anaesthesia,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\n This is why the anaesthesia team routinely asks about snoring; it helps identify patients who may require extra precautions before, during, and after surgery.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cLoud and habitual snoring, particularly when it is associated with choking during sleep, episodes of stopped breathing, or excessive drowsiness during the day, is a common indication of OSA,\u201d says Dr Ladhani.<\/p>\n Story continues below this ad<\/p>\n<\/div>\n General anesthesia and certain pain medications relax the muscles that normally help keep the airway open. In people with undiagnosed OSA, this can make airway obstruction more likely.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile under general anesthesia and with the use of pain medications, the muscles which keep the airway open relax even more, thus raising the chance of airway obstruction and breathing difficulties,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\nWhy do anesthesiologists ask about snoring?<\/h2>\n
Can loud snoring indicate undiagnosed sleep apnea?<\/h2>\n
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