Snoring

What causes snoring?

Snoring is the noise generated when tissues of the upper airways vibrate.

When there is obstruction to the free flow of air from the nose or the mouth to the back of the throat and the upper airway this causes alteration of air pressures and turbulence in the airways. This in turn causes vibration of the soft tissue (the soft palate and upper airways), and hence snoring.

What makes snoring worst?

•Being overweight for your height

•Snoring gets worse with age.

•Alcohol relaxes the muscles of the throat and this causes airway more prone to collapse and vibration.

•Smoking makes snoring worse.

•Snoring can change with sleeping position. It tends to improve if one sleeps on the side, rather than to lie on one’s back. This is because when lying on your back, the tongue tends to fall backwards and block the airway.

What can I do to help with my snoring?

Lose weight

If you are overweight you must try and lose some weight. Often simply losing weight may cure your snoring.

Reduce your alcohol intake

You will notice that on the nights that you drink alcohol you tend to have a deeper sleep and snore more loudly. Reducing your alcohol intake may help with your snoring.

Stop smoking

Stopping smoking may help with your snoring.

What will happen when I see an ENT doctor?

You will have a full assessment. The purpose of the consultation is to:

1.Assess the impact of snoring on your quality of life

2.Look for causes and factors contributing to the snoring

3.To exclude any history of apnoea episodes (episodes when you stop breathing) during your sleep

Investigations

If there is any suggestion of sleep apnoea your doctor will arrange a “sleep study” examination. This basically involves having certain parameters (e.g your pulse rate, blood oxygen level etc) monitored while asleep. It may take place in the home or hospital environment. If the sleep study confirms the presence of sleep apneoa you will be referred to a respiratory specialist. He/she will recommend “continuous positive airway pressure” (CPAP) treatment. This will involve wearing a tight fitting mask at night which blows air under pressure into the nose, and thus keeps the upper airways open. Sleep apnoea if untreated may give rise to cardiovascular (heart and blood pressure related) problems in the long term.

Treatment of nasal or throat disorders contributing to the snoring

If there is a specific problem with your nose and/or throat, and you have tried all the measures mentioned above i.e losing weight, etc, the doctor may recommend specific treatment for the nasal/throat problems.

Nasal Blockage: If it appears that significant nasal blockage is contributing to the snoring, you will be advised about the necessary measures to improve your nasal obstruction.

Palatal Surgery: The principle behind palatal and throat surgery for snoring is to undertake measures to widen the airway, and stiffen and shorten the palate. The nature of the surgery required will vary from individual to individual. Your doctor will discuss with you the procedure(s) best suited to you.

Tongue collapse: If the principle area of the narrowing and collapse in the airway is at the level of the base of tongue the doctor may recommend you see a dentist about the fitting of a Mandibular Advancement Prosthesis. This is a prosthesis worn in the mouth at night to pull the lower jaw forward at night, and reduce any tongue collapse.