Snoring may transmit infectious aerosols from the upper to the lower respiratory tract.
Med Hypotheses
; 168: 110966, 2022 Nov.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2086567
ABSTRACT
Migration to the lungs of an initial upper airway infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or other respiratory pathogens can lead to pneumonia, associated with progression from mild to severe symptoms. Chemical pneumonitis or bacterial pneumonia may be caused by the 'macroaspiration' of large volumes of oropharyngeal or gastroesophageal secretions into the lower respiratory tract. 'Microaspiration', i.e., a similar mechanism but involving much smaller amounts of oropharyngeal secretions, is considered the pathogenetic mechanism for most pneumonias, including that associated with COVID-19. Here, we hypothesize an alternative mechanism Rather than by microaspiration, these fluids enter the lungs as microdroplets that are generated by snoring and then carried by the inspired airstream. Laboratory measurements indicate that snoring generates (a) comparable numbers and sizes of oral fluid droplets as loud speaking and (b) total fluid quantities that are similar to those reported for microaspiration. Snoring propensity is strongly correlated to known risk factors for severe COVID-19, including male gender, age, obesity, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, and pregnancy. Therefore, more research is urgently needed to determine if various methods that decrease snoring can prevent progression to pneumonia after initial infection of the upper airways.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Type of study:
Prognostic study
Language:
English
Journal:
Med Hypotheses
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
J.mehy.2022.110966
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