Snoring

Snoring is a common symptom caused by a spectrum of sleep-disordered breathing disorders, ranging from intermittent simple snoring to chronic heavy simple snoring, upper airway resistance syndrome, and obstructive sleep apnoea.

It is important to rule out obstructive sleep apnoea in patients who snore.

Can be a significant problem for both the patient and their bed partner. It may result in serious strain in a relationship and be socially disruptive.

Common clinical features in patients who snore are obesity, retrognathia, large tongue, and large tonsils.

Most patients will benefit from losing weight, stopping smoking, and avoiding alcohol.

Some patients may benefit from using a mandibular advancement splint or from upper airway surgery. Surgical options may produce high initial success rates, but this reduces over time.

Childhood snoring is most commonly due to adenotonsillar hypertrophy and usually resolves with age, but if associated with features of obstructive sleep apnoea, refer to a specialist as adenotonsillectomy may be required.

Snoring is the noise produced by vibration of the upper airway walls as a result of partial upper airway obstruction during sleep. It can be caused by a spectrum of sleep-disordered breathing disorders, ranging from intermittent simple snoring to chronic heavy simple snoring, upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS), and obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea.