Snoring is widespread and is often considered harmless. In fact, snoring can have various causes and in some cases be an indication of a sleep or breathing disorder that requires treatment. A targeted ENT medical examination helps to differentiate harmless forms from medically relevant causes.

What is snoring?

Snoring is caused by the vibration of soft tissues in the upper respiratory tract during sleep. In particular, the following are affected:

• the nose
• the soft palate
• the pharynx

If the airflow is constricted, the typical snoring noises occur, which can vary significantly in intensity and regularity.

Common causes of snoring

Restricted nasal breathing

Obstructed nasal breathing is one of the most common causes of snoring. Possible reasons include:

• curved nasal septum
• chronic sinus infection
• nasal polyps
• allergic or non-allergic rhinitis

Restricted nasal breathing often leads to mouth breathing during sleep, which increases snoring.

Sagging of the throat muscles

During sleep, the muscles in the throat relax. As a result, constrictions can form, which cause soft palate vibrations. Favourative factors include:

• alcohol consumption
• preponderance
• lack of sleep

Sleeping position

The supine position promotes snoring, as the tongue and soft tissues sink backwards and further constrict the throat area.

snoring in children

Children can snore too. This is not always harmless and should be clarified, especially if additional symptoms occur.

Common causes among children include:

• enlarged pharyngeal tonsils
• enlarged palatine tonsils
• chronic nasal congestion

Snoring in children can be associated with mouth breathing, restless sleep, daytime tiredness or concentration problems and should therefore be taken seriously.

When is snoring medically relevant?

An important warning is the suspicion of obstructive sleep apnea. Indications may be:

• Breathing stoppages during sleep
• severe daytime sleepiness
• morning headache
• concentration disorders
• hypertension

In these cases, a timely specialist consultation is required.

Modern diagnostics by an ENT doctor

The diagnosis of snoring is structured and individually adapted.

ENT specialist examination

• Assessment of nose, throat and soft palate
• Detecting anatomical constrictions

Endoscopic examination

• detailed analysis of the upper respiratory tract
• An important basis for treatment planning

sleep diagnostics

If sleep apnea is suspected, an outpatient sleep measurement or further clarification in the sleep laboratory may be necessary.

Snoring treatment

The treatment depends on the cause and severity.

Conservative measures

• Improving nasal breathing
• Reducing alcohol in the evening
• Weight loss if you are overweight
• Sleep position adjustment

Specific ENT therapies

• Treatment of nasal and sinus diseases
• surgical correction of anatomical constrictions with clear indications

Sleep apnoea therapy

When sleep apnea is diagnosed, treatment is carried out in interdisciplinary collaboration, often using special respiratory therapies.

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