Understand Your Nighttime Breathing
Find out what may be behind persistent snoring and disrupted nighttime rest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Snoring
Snoring develops when air moving through the upper airway makes nearby soft tissues vibrate, most often the soft palate, uvula, and base of the tongue. Nasal blockage can make snoring worse. When nasal breathing becomes difficult, increased mouth breathing can alter airflow and contribute to louder or more frequent snoring.
An ENT evaluation looks for anatomical factors that may be contributing to snoring, especially nasal obstruction caused by a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, nasal polyps, or chronic rhinitis. When restricted nasal airflow is a major factor, treating the obstruction can significantly improve snoring.
Snoring commonly occurs with obstructive sleep apnea, but snoring alone does not mean that a person has OSA. An ENT evaluation can help determine whether symptoms warrant a sleep study and whether nasal or upper airway anatomy may be contributing to the problem.
Evaluation may include nasal endoscopy to identify structural causes of nasal obstruction. A detailed history also helps determine whether symptoms may indicate obstructive sleep apnea and whether further assessment with a sleep study is appropriate.