Snoring

Snoring is usually multi-factorial. Snoring is caused by the vibration of the tissues of the soft palate, tongue and walls of the pharynx (Throat). This is seen in persons with increased resistance to airflow thru the nose and throat. This means that there is an obstruction to airflow due to a combination of many factors like Deviated Nasal Septum, large Inferior Turbinates, nasopharyngeal Adenoids, large and bulky Soft Palate, large and bulky Tongue and large Tonsils.

A more severe form of snoring is called OSAS or Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome, where the patients has episodes of respiratory obstruction thru the night, sometimes as many as 60 times an hour or even higher.

Investigations could include nasal endoscopy, laryngoscopy, dynamic MRI sleep study and a sleep study.

Treatment of snoring includes a change in the lifestyle of the patient. Dieting, loss of weight, exercise including a mix of cardio and weights, yoga, breathing exercises all play a role.

However, slim patients or those who do not improve after lifestyle modification can opt for surgery. Surgical treatment will address the multiple factors which are causing the snoring. Newer surgical procedures like palatoplasties & pharyngoplasties and the use of Coblation® ("COBLATION is a registered trademark of Arthrocare Corporation, a subsidiary of Smith and Nephew, Inc. The mark COBLATION is being referred to only as a technology for conducting ENT surgeries and all intellectual property rights vest with the registered proprietor".) assisted reduction of the soft tissues of the throat and nose are resulting in good outcomes.