Snoring

Snoring can be simple in nature or a symptom of sleep-disordered breathing secondary to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS).

Can be a significant problem for patients and any bed partners.

Diagnosis is guided by clinical suspicion of the underlying cause. Nasendoscopy can help localize the origin site of snoring. Polysomnography remains the definitive method for diagnosing OSA.

Management depends on the underlying cause. Options include lifestyle measures, treatments for nasal obstruction, oral appliance therapy, palatal implants and surgery, and continuous positive airway pressure.

Childhood snoring is most commonly due to adenotonsillar hypertrophy and usually resolves with age. Adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy or a combined procedure may be indicated in some cases. Children with OSA or UARS should be referred to a specialist.

Snoring is the noise produced by vibration of the upper airway walls as a result of partial upper airway obstruction during sleep. Simple snoring (also known as primary or habitual snoring) is defined as snoring without recurrent apneas or frequent arousals from sleep and without gas exchange abnormalities. It is generally considered benign. Snoring can also be secondary to sleep-related breathing disorders such as OSA and UARS.[1]American Academy of Sleep Medicine. The AASM international classification of sleep disorders - third edition, text revision (ICSD-3-TR). Jun 2023 [internet publication]. https://aasm.org/clinical-resources/international-classification-sleep-disorders ​