Snoring

Diagnosis

To diagnose the cause of snoring, your doctor reviews your symptoms, medical history and performs a physical examination. If you have a partner, your doctor may ask them questions about how often and how loudly you snore. For children who snore, parents are asked to describe the severity and pattern of the snoring.

Imaging tests may be recommended to evaluate the structure of the airway. These may include an X-ray, a CT scan or an MRI to identify issues such as a deviated septum.

A sleep study may be suggested, especially if symptoms are severe or if sleep apnea is suspected. Some sleep studies can be done at home, but depending on other medical conditions or sleep concerns, you may need to stay overnight at a sleep center for a detailed evaluation called a polysomnography. During this study, multiple sensors record:

• Brain waves

• Blood oxygen levels

• Heart rate

• Breathing rate

• Sleep stages

• Eye and leg movements

This information helps identify disruptions in breathing and other sleep abnormalities.

Treatment

To manage snoring, doctors often begin with lifestyle recommendations that can help reduce airway obstruction during sleep. These may include:

• Losing weight

• Avoiding alcohol near bedtime

• Treating nasal congestion

• Avoiding sleep deprivation

• Avoiding sleeping on your back

If snoring is associated with obstructive sleep apnea, additional treatment options may be advised.

Oral appliances may be used to reposition the jaw, tongue and soft palate to help keep the airway open. These custom dental devices require fitting by a dental specialist and ongoing evaluation. Possible side effects include dry mouth, jaw pain, facial discomfort and increased salivation.

Continuous positive airway pressure therapy involves wearing a mask over the nose or mouth during sleep. It provides a gentle flow of pressurized air to keep the airway open. CPAP is highly effective for treating snoring related to obstructive sleep apnea, though some people take time to adjust to the machine.

Upper airway surgery may be considered when other treatments are not effective. Several surgical techniques are used to open the airway and reduce tissue obstruction. Examples include uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, which removes or tightens excess throat tissue, and maxillomandibular advancement, which repositions the jaws. Other options include radiofrequency tissue reduction and hypoglossal nerve stimulation. Surgical results vary, and predicting the response can be challenging.

These approaches aim to improve airflow during sleep, reduce snoring and address underlying causes when necessary.