Snoring is usually caused by flexible tissues in the throat which vibrate as a person breathes at night, causing the production of a noise. One part of the throat which commonly causes snoring sounds is the soft palate (the back part of the roof of the mouth). Other structures that can cause snoring are the tongue, tonsils, adenoids, and even problems with the nose can cause or aggravate the problem. Excess weight, alcohol intake, or smoking can also worsen snoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why is Snoring a concern?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In some instances, snoring is simply an inconvenience for the sleeping partner. In other cases, the sleeping partner finds it impossible to get quality sleep due to the snoring. Sometimes snoring may be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea. This is a potentially serious medical disorder in which the snorer stops breathing repeatedly throughout the night and may have significant drops in oxygen levels of the blood. When this condition is present for months and years, it can place significant strain on the heart and lungs and affect the overall health of the patient, potentially shortening his or her life in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How is a patient with Snoring evaluated?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The evaluation begins with a careful history and examination of the airway by the ENT physician. Some patients will require a detailed study of their sleep patterns in a Sleep Laboratory. This is called a sleep study. Once the cause or causes for the snoring have been identified, treatment options are discussed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n