Bronchitis linked to snoring
New Korean research indicates that regular snoring may double the risk of chronic bronchitis. From earlier research, we already knew that people who suffer from chronic bronchitis are more likely to snore, or have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
This prospective study gives us evidence to suspect that the snoring may actually come first, and may play a role in the later development of respiratory problems. The researchers compared snorers and non-snorers, and then followed them for four years to track new cases of chronic bronchitis.
Not only did snoring increase the risk of developing chronic bronchitis, it appeared to do so in a dose-dependent fashion: people who snored 5 nights a week or less were 25 percent more likely to develop chronic bronchitis, but people who snored 6 or 7 nights a week were 68% more likely to contract the disorder.
At this point, the exact mechanism(s) behind this relationship are open to speculation. The researchers themselves say they cannot explain it, although they theorize that the vibrations of snoring may irritate tissues and produce inflammation.
Personally, I imagine that snoring must cause increased negative pressure in the airway. That negative pressure could draw bacteria or other irritants from the nose or mouth down into the lungs.
Or maybe oral breathing (which typically accompanies snoring) could cause the airway to dry out, making it more susceptible to irritation or infection. As we all know, the nose is our body's natural humidifier, but snorers typically breathe through the mouth instead.
Whatever the cause for the link between snoring and bronchitis, this new research underlines the fact that snoring is a significant health symptom, not something that should be routinely ignored.