Snoring Treatment
Snoring is extremely common and affects nearly 40% of adults, but is not always harmless.
While occasional snoring may simply be caused by congestion or sleep position, frequent or
loud snoring can sometimes indicate an underlying airway problem such as obstructive sleep
apnea.
When the airway narrows, the soft tissues of the throat vibrate as air moves through them,
producing the sound of snoring.
In some patients, snoring may also be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition in which
breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.
At Synergy ENT & Wellness, we evaluated the structure and function of the airway to
determine the cause of the snoring and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Why Do People Snore?
Snoring typically occurs when the airway becomes narrowed during sleep. This can happen for
several reasons:
Nasal obstruction
● Deviated septum
● Chronic nasal congestion
● Enlarged turbinates
● Allergies
Airway relaxation during sleep
● The soft palate and throat muscles relax, narrowing the airway.
Tongue position
● The tongue can fall backward during sleep and partially block airflow.
Weight gain
● Extra tissue around the airway can narrow breathing passages.
Alcohol or sedatives
● These substances relax airway muscles and worsen snoring.
Because snoring can originate from multiple levels of the airway, identifying the source of
obstruction is important before choosing treatment.
When Snoring May Be Sleep Apnea
While not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, many patients with sleep apnea snore
loudly.
You should consider evaluation if snoring is associated with:
● Pauses in breathing during sleep
● Gasping or choking at night
● Excessive daytime fatigue
● Morning headaches
● Poor concentration
● High blood pressure
Sleep apnea can affect cardiovascular health, metabolism, and daytime alertness, so
proper diagnosis is important.
How Snoring Is Evaluated
Evaluation begins with a careful review of symptoms and a detailed examination of the nose
and airway.
Because airflow can be restricted at several levels, evaluation focuses on identifying whether
the primary issue is related to the nose, palate, tongue, or throat.
In some cases, a home sleep study or in-lab sleep study may be recommended to determine
whether sleep apnea is present.
Treatment Options for Snoring
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of airway narrowing. Options may include:
Improving nasal breathing
● Allergy treatment
● Nasal medications
● Correction of a deviated septum
● Turbinate reduction
Oral appliance therapy
Custom devices that reposition the jaw or tongue to help keep the airway open.
Weight optimization
Reducing excess weight can improve airway space.
Positional therapy
Sleeping position can influence airway collapse.
CPAP therapy
If snoring is related to sleep apnea, CPAP may be recommended.
Targeted airway procedures
In some patients, minimally invasive procedures can improve airflow and reduce snoring.
When to Seek Treatment
Snoring should be evaluated if it:
● Disrupts your sleep or your partner’s sleep
● Is loud or worsening over time
● Occurs with daytime fatigue
● Is associated with pauses in breathing during sleep
Addressing the underlying airway issue can lead to better sleep quality, improved breathing,
and increased daytime energy.
Schedule a Consultation
If snoring is affecting your sleep or raising concerns about possible sleep apnea, a consultation
can help determine the cause and discuss appropriate treatment options.