Medically reviewed by Dr. Irina González Sáez · Last reviewed:
What it is
Snoring is not normal, even though it is common. It happens when air has trouble passing through an airway that narrows during sleep: a blocked nose, a long soft palate and uvula, large tonsils or the tongue falling back make the tissues vibrate and produce the noise.
There is primary snoring, which is noise without pauses in breathing and mainly affects whoever sleeps next to you, and snoring that is the visible symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, with pauses, drops in oxygen and sleep that is not restful. Knowing which one you have completely changes the treatment, which is why the evaluation starts there.
Common symptoms
- Loud, frequent snoring, most nights
- Pauses in breathing that others notice
- Unrefreshing sleep and tiredness on waking
- Dry mouth or headache in the morning
- Daytime sleepiness
- In children: snoring, mouth breathing, night sweats and behavior changes
Causes
- Nasal obstruction (deviated septum, rhinitis, enlarged turbinates)
- Long soft palate and uvula, or large tonsils
- Excess weight and fat buildup around the neck
- Sleeping on your back, alcohol and sedatives at night
- In children: large tonsils and adenoids
When to see a doctor
- When your partner or family notice pauses in your breathing
- Daytime sleepiness or tiredness even when you sleep enough
- Snoring in children, at any age
- Snoring that started or got worse with weight gain
- High blood pressure that is hard to control, or waking up with a choking sensation
How it’s diagnosed
Dr. Irina examines the nose, mouth and throat and performs a nasal and airway endoscopy to see where the airflow narrows. If she suspects sleep apnea, she orders a home sleep test (respiratory polygraphy), which she interprets herself. In selected cases she performs a drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) in the operating room or orders an in-lab polysomnography.
When the obstruction is nasal and surgery is being considered, Dr. Irina orders a CT scan or MRI as appropriate.
A 30-minute evaluation sets the next step.
Treatments
- 01Home sleep test
Respiratory polygraphy done in your own bed and interpreted by Dr. Irina herself: it records breathing, oxygen and snoring during the night to confirm and grade sleep apnea. - 02Snoring and sleep apnea surgery
Pharyngoplasty and nasal surgery to widen the airway when the anatomy calls for it. Sleep endoscopy helps locate where it closes.
Dr. Irina’s approach
Treatment depends on whether we are talking about primary snoring or snoring caused by sleep apnea. That is why Dr. Irina does not treat “the noise” without first knowing what is behind it. With a clear diagnosis, the options range from general measures and nasal treatment to palate or nasal surgery, CPAP or an oral appliance, always chosen according to where your airway closes and what you are willing to use.
Frequently asked questions
Is snoring dangerous?
Simple snoring is not, but it can be a sign of sleep apnea, which does have consequences for the heart, blood pressure and concentration. A home sleep test clarifies it.
Is there surgery to stop snoring?
Yes, when the cause is in the nose or the palate and the study supports it. Not everyone is a candidate, and Dr. Irina is clear about that from the first visit.
Should children snore?
No. Frequent snoring in a child deserves a check-up: it is usually due to large tonsils or adenoids and affects their rest, behavior and growth.
Sources
- Clinical Practice Guideline for Diagnostic Testing for Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea · American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) (2017)
- Clinical Practice Guideline: Tonsillectomy in Children · American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) (2019)
- Sociedad Mexicana de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello (SMORL y CCC) · SMORL y CCC