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What is snoring?Snoring is an unpleasant (though occasionally amusing) noise produced from vibrations of the soft tissue of the throat and/or nose. The vibrations occur due to a disturbance in normal airflow. This disturbed airflow is due to a blockage or obstruction in at least one part of the airway. Snoring is very common, with 30-40% of adults snoring at some point of their life life. It is important to differentiate simple snoring from the more severe form known as obstructive sleep apnoea. What causes snoring?The easiest approach to understanding snoring is by appreciating the structures that air passes through when we breathe. This includes the nose, mouth, tonsils, palate, throat, voice box, and wind pipe. Blockages or obstruction at these points may result in noisy breathing but usually the noises are different in their quality, depending on the site of blockage. Here is a summary of the more common points of obstruction:
Are there any serious causes for sleep apnoea?There are several serious causes of sleep apnoea that must be ruled out. The following is are examples of what your GP and Specialist would check for.
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