The aim of our study was to determine the relationship between snoring, air
way disorders and pulmonary function in the general population. We performe
d a stratified random sampling from the population (n=92 364). Four hundred
subjects agreed to participate and were invited to the clinic, where a det
ailed medical history, physical examination, spirometric test and maximal r
espiratory pressures measurements were carried out. Snoring was reported by
152 subjects (38%). Nasal obstruction and the presence of abnormal pharynx
exploration were more frequent in subjects with snoring. Age, body mass in
dex and neck circumference were significantly higher in the snorer group. T
n addition, we found that the non-snoring group had a significantly higher
frequency of tonsillectomy during infancy and adolescence than the snorer g
roup. We did not detect any significant difference in spirometric test valu
es or in maximal respiratory pressure values between snorer group and non-s
norer group. Tn conclusion, in the general population snoring is associated
with nasal obstruction and abnormal pharynx exploration. Furthermore, snor
ing appears not to be associated with modifications in spirometric or in ma
ximal respiratory pressure tests.