Snoring is a condition in which a person makes a sound from the vibration of the throat tissues while breathing/sleeping. It occurs when the flow of air in the nose or throat passes with a blockage. Usually this seems to be a normal thing, but frequent and fast snoring can turn into Sleep apnea, in which breathing repeatedly stops during sleep. Snoring can also be caused by obesity, allergies, nasal congestion, or weakness of the throat muscles. Therefore, if snoring occurs every day and you feel tired, you should get checked by a doctor.
What are the Symptoms of Snoring?
Snoring is not just limited to making sounds during sleep. Several other symptoms can also occur, such as:
- Loud snoring in sleep - which may also disturb the sleep of others.
- Shortness of breath or wheezing during sleep Breathing stops for a few seconds, then suddenly begins.
- Tiredness or lack of sleep in the morning is interrupted by frequent pauses in breathing at night.
- Headache or dry mouth in the morning due to breathing through the mouth.
- Irritability and lack of attention during the day - Lack of sleep leads to mental exhaustion.
- Changes in sleep or restlessness Because of the blockage in the throat, sleep does not become deep.
If these symptoms are recurring, it may be a sign of a serious condition such as sleep apnea, not just simple snoring. In this case, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
When to See a Doctor for Snoring?
If snoring occurs occasionally and does not affect sleep or routine, it is usually not a cause for concern. But if you snore loudly and continuously every day, it could be a sign of an underlying condition. It is important to see a doctor when breathing stops while sleeping, waking up gasping at night, or feeling headache and fatigue on waking up in the morning. These symptoms point to a disorder such as sleep apnea, which can lead to serious illnesses such as heart disease, blood pressure and stroke without treatment.
Consult an ENT specialist or sleep specialist immediately if your partner or family member says that your breathing stops in your sleep, snoring is very loud, or you feel sleepy frequently during the day. Doctors identify the exact cause and prescribe treatment by examining your nose, throat, and sleep patterns, which may include weight control, medication, or modern techniques such as a sleep machine (CPAP). Early detection can control the problem before it escalates.
What is the Cause of Snoring?
Snoring occurs when the airways in your nose and throat become partially blocked during sleep. Snoring occurs when air passes through a narrow passage in the throat, causing soft tissues to vibrate and produce sound.
There can be many reasons for this:
- Obesity: As fat accumulates around the throat, the airways narrow.
- A runny nose or allergies: Breathing is disrupted.
- Sleeping Position: When sleeping on the back, the tongue moves towards the back and blocks the way.
- Alcohol or sleeping pills cause throat muscles to relax.
- Increased age: With age, the strength of the muscles of the neck decreases.
If snoring is frequent or there is a problem like breathlessness, then it can be a sign of a serious condition like sleep apnea, for which a doctor's advice is necessary.
How to Stop Snoring?
Some simple lifestyle and home remedies to reduce or prevent snoring can prove to be very effective. These measures often lead to a significant improvement in snoring and improve the quality of sleep.
- Change the sleeping position: Instead of sleeping on your back, sleep on your left or right side. This opens the mouth and throat.
- Control your weight: Obesity is a major cause of obesity. Breathing easier and less stress on the neck.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking: Both loosen the throat muscles, causing snoring to increase.
- Get rid of nasal blockage: If the nose is closed, take steam, use nasal sprays or saline drops.
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule: Sleeping at the same time every day and getting enough sleep improves the body's rhythm.
- See a doctor if you need to: If snoring is accompanied by problems such as breathlessness, daytime fatigue, or headache, it could be sleep apnea. In this case, consult a doctor or ENT specialist.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
Snoring treatment at Artemis Hospitals starts with diagnosing the root cause, leading to a highly personalized treatment plan.
Medical Therapies
Use Nasal Sprays as obstruction caused by allergies, colds, or inflammation can cause snoring. Sprays help reduce swelling in the nasal passages, allowing air to flow more freely and reducing mouth-breathing.
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) Machine is the gold standard, non-surgical treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). The patient wears a mask (nasal, oral, or full-face) connected to a machine. The machine provides a gentle, constant stream of pressurized air, which acts like an "air splint" to keep the airway open throughout the night, preventing tissue collapse and eliminating both apnea episodes and snoring.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
Uvulopalatoplasty (UPPP/LAUP) is a procedure to address snoring caused by vibration of the soft palate and uvula. The surgeon either removes excess tissue from the back of the throat (soft palate, uvula, and sometimes tonsils) or uses techniques like laser-assisted Uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) to tighten the floppy tissue, creating a firmer, less collapsible airway and reducing vibration.
Septoplasty is another surgery where a deviated nasal septum (the wall dividing the nostrils) is corrected. When the septum is bent, it severely obstructs one or both nasal passages. Septoplasty straightens the septum, significantly improving nasal breathing and reducing the need to breathe through the mouth, which often causes throat vibration and snoring.
How Do Artemis Hospitals Help Patients with Snoring?
Artemis Hospitals offers comprehensive and advanced care for patients suffering from snoring and sleep-related breathing disorders. The hospital’s ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) and Sleep Medicine specialists work together to identify the root cause of snoring through detailed evaluations, including nasal endoscopy, sleep studies (polysomnography), and airway assessments. These tests help doctors understand whether the patient’s snoring is due to nasal blockage, obesity, allergies, or a more serious condition like sleep apnea.
Once the cause is diagnosed, Artemis provides personalized treatment plans that may include lifestyle guidance, weight management, nasal or throat therapies, and modern medical devices such as CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines for sleep apnea patients. In some cases, minimally invasive ENT or laser surgeries are also available to correct structural issues in the throat or nose. The hospital also focuses on long-term monitoring and sleep counseling, helping patients achieve better sleep quality and prevent complications like high blood pressure or heart disease. With a team of expert doctors, advanced technology, and patient-centered care, Artemis Hospitals ensures safe and effective solutions for all snoring-related problems.
Article By Dr. Poonam Gautam
Sr. Consultant - ENT, ENT Surgery
Artemis Hospitals
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of doctors treat snoring?
Snoring can be treated by ENT specialists (Ear, Nose, and Throat doctors), sleep medicine specialists, or pulmonologists. In some cases, dentists trained in sleep disorders or surgeons may also be involved if structural issues are present.
Is snoring considered an ENT problem?
Yes, often it is. Snoring commonly results from airway obstructions in the nose, mouth, or throat; areas managed by ENT specialists. However, if sleep apnea is suspected, sleep specialists may also be involved.
Can I stop snoring forever?
In many cases, yes—especially if caused by treatable issues like nasal blockage, obesity, or sleeping position. Lifestyle changes, medical treatments, or minor procedures can significantly reduce or eliminate snoring.
How much does sleep apnea treatment cost?
The cost of sleep apnea treatment varies significantly depending on the severity of the condition and the chosen treatment plan. Costs can include initial specialist consultations, diagnostic sleep studies, and the equipment required, such as a CPAP machine or oral appliance. Because treatment is highly personalized, patients should consult with a healthcare provider and their insurance company for an accurate estimate based on their specific needs.
Do Artemis Hospitals provide treatment for snoring and sleep apnea?
Yes, Artemis Hospitals offers advanced diagnosis and treatment for snoring and sleep apnea through its ENT and Sleep Medicine departments, equipped with modern sleep labs and expert specialists.
Which doctors at Artemis Hospitals treat snoring?
At Artemis Hospitals, ENT specialists, pulmonologists, and sleep medicine experts work together to identify the root cause of snoring and provide personalized treatment plans for each patient.
What facilities are available for sleep apnea testing at Artemis Hospitals?
Artemis has state-of-the-art sleep study (polysomnography) facilities that monitor sleep patterns, breathing, and oxygen levels overnight to accurately diagnose sleep apnea.
Can I book a consultation online at Artemis Hospitals for snoring issues?
Yes, you can easily book an appointment online through the official Artemis Hospitals website or by contacting their patient helpline for quick assistance.
Why choose Artemis Hospitals for snoring treatment?
Artemis Hospitals combines expert doctors, advanced diagnostic tools, and personalized care to treat the underlying causes of snoring—ensuring better sleep, improved breathing, and long-term relief.
