Snoring happens when airflow vibrates relaxed tissues of the nose and throat. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is when the airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep, reducing oxygen and disturbing sleep. In children, large tonsils and adenoids are the commonest cause.
Throat & Voice Condition
Snoring & Sleep Apnoea
Loud snoring, sometimes with pauses in breathing during sleep — causes can be in the nose or throat.
Overview
Common symptoms
- Loud, regular snoring
- Pauses in breathing or gasping during sleep
- Daytime sleepiness and tiredness
- Morning headaches
- In children: restless sleep, bed-wetting, poor concentration
Common causes
- Enlarged tonsils and adenoids
- Deviated septum or nasal blockage
- Excess weight
- Alcohol or sedatives
- Sleeping on the back
How it is diagnosed
Nose and throat examination including endoscopy
Sleep study (polysomnography) when sleep apnoea is suspected
Treatment
Treatment targets the cause: weight management and sleep position, treating nasal blockage (septoplasty, allergy control), removing large tonsils/adenoids, or CPAP therapy for moderate–severe sleep apnoea.
Surgical treatment options
TonsillectomySurgical removal of the tonsils, including coblation tonsillectomy for less pain and…AdenoidectomyRemoval of enlarged adenoids in children to relieve blocked nose, mouth breathing and ear…Endoscopic SeptoplastyStraightening a deviated nasal septum through the nostrils — no external cut, no visible…
See a doctor promptly if you have:
- Witnessed pauses in breathing
- Excessive daytime sleepiness, especially while driving
- A child who snores every night
Frequently asked questions
Simple snoring is mainly a nuisance, but snoring with breathing pauses (sleep apnoea) can affect heart health and should be evaluated.
When a clear cause such as large tonsils or a blocked nose is corrected, snoring often improves significantly.
This page is for general patient information and does not replace a medical consultation. The right treatment depends on your examination and test results.
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