The scientists from the Korea University Ansan Hospital gathered 4,270 subjects in 2001, noting the number of nights per week that they snore. The subjects were observed every two years up to 2006.
The AFP reported that the study counted 314 developed cases of chronic bronchitis throughout the follow-up years.
Analysis of the gathered data pointed to a 68 percent incidence of chronic bronchitis for the population that snored six to seven nights per week - a significant difference compared to the 25 percent incidence for those who snore five times per week, or less.
"It has been suggested that structural or functional changes in the airway due to inflammation may cause snoring and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome," wrote the authors.
"Conversely, repeated snoring vibrations may act as mechanical stresses, leading to increased inflammatory response in the upper airway," they continued.
According to HealthDay News, the scientists themselves are not completely sure about the reason behind the link between snoring and chronic bronchitis, a permanent condition of inflammation of the air passages inside the lungs, caused by factors such as smoking, or exposure to lung irritants such as chemicals and dust.
The study was commented on by Dr. Robert Keaton of the University of Michigan Sleep Disorders Center, with him saying that the results cannot be considered conclusive, as the conditions suggested by the researchers are not uncommon to those with obstructive sleep apnea.
The results of the study were said to "[point out] an interesting relationship that needs further research," as said by Dr. Charles Bae of the Cleveland Clinic Sleep Disorders Center.
The study was published in the January 28 issue of Archives
