Which Procedure for Snoring is Right for You?

Snoring is often associated with sleeping or deep slumber, and may not seem like a problem to many people. But it can become troublesome for those sleeping around the one snoring. Aside from this inconvenience to a good night’s sleep, it obstructs airflow through the nose and mouth. This obstruction is what leads to vibration of the respiratory structures causing the sound we hear while snoring. 

A common misconception around snoring is that it cannot be treated when, in fact, there are a number of treatment options for snoring, including snoring procedures, depending on the individual condition and a person’s sleeping pattern. In this article, we aim to provide an understanding of snoring, what causes it, and how to treat it, Treatments, and Snoring surgery.

What is Snoring?

Snoring, in simple terms, is the sound formed by the vibration of soft tissues of the upper respiratory system during sleep. It is quite common and can affect anyone regardless of age or gender. Studies demonstrate that 45% of all men and 30% of women are prone to snoring.

What Causes Snoring?

Snoring is a result of narrowed or obstructed airways at the back of the throat while sleeping. Some of the important factors that may contribute to snoring include:

• Anatomy of the mouth: Having a unique anatomy of the mouth, such as a thick and low soft palate and elongated uvula, or a soft palate can narrow down the airway, leading to an obstruction in the airflow.
• Alcohol consumption: Consuming excessive alcohol, especially before bedtime, increases the risk of snoring.
• Insufficient sleep: Insufficient or lack of sleep can also contribute to snoring.
• Wrong sleeping position: Sleeping in a position that obstructs the airways can also lead to snoring.
• Obstruction in the nasal passage: Nasal congestion, when it happens on a chronic basis, can also lead to snoring.

In children, the most common cause of snoring is adenotonsillar hypertrophy, which also causes mouth breathing.

Symptoms of Snoring

Snoring itself causes a harsh sound as a result of blocked or narrowed airways. It may lead a person to develop symptoms, like:

• Headaches, especially in the morning
• Lack of concentration
• Restlessness while sleeping
• Sleepiness during daytime
• Hypertension
• Pain in the chest
• Paused breathing while sleeping
• Behavioral issues or poor performance in children

Why is Snoring Bad for You?

Snoring, already a sign of narrowed airways during sleep, can potentially increase the risk of developing various health conditions. Recent studies have suggested that chronic snoring may lead to thickening of the carotid arteries, leading to an increased risk of a stroke.

Sometimes, snoring may be a sign of a more serious underlying health condition known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This condition causes a repetitive complete or partial obstruction of breathing that may occur several times while sleeping. Untreated OSA is a risk factor for diabetes and metabolic syndrome – obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension and dyslipidemia. It also increases the risk of an array of cardiovascular diseases, including congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, hypertension, arrhythmias, pulmonary hypertension, stroke, and even sudden death.

Snoring Surgery

Treating snoring requires a comprehensive approach involving both the patient and the doctor. A number of surgical and non-surgical methods of treatment for snoring have been developed over the years. The type of treatment suitable for a patient is dependent on the diagnosis made.

Non-surgical Snoring Treatment

The gold standard for treating OSA is using the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). It is effective in 99% of the patients who can tolerate it. This approach involves using a mask that has to be worn overnight. This mask provides continuous air pressure that prevents the collapse of the tissues at the back of the throat. However, some people may find it uncomfortable to wear it overnight. The cost of a CPAP machine can be anywhere between ₹5,000 and ₹25,000. 

Treatment Options for Snoring Surgery:

There are several options for snoring surgery that help treat OSA, too. 

• UPPP or Uvulo-palato-pharyngoplasty:

UPPP is the most common surgical procedure used to treat snoring and sleep apnea problems. This technique works by getting rid of excess tissue from the back of the throat to improve the airway. 

• Palatal procedures:

There are quite a few palatal procedures for treating snoring and OSA:

• Palatal implants: This approach involves implanting suspension sutures or rigid fiber implants into the roof of the mouth, i.e., the soft palate. This will help stiffen the palate and minimize vibrations and fluttering that cause snoring.
• Radiofrequency: Radiofrequency is a simple technique that utilizes heat to stiffen the soft palate portions. It necessitates multiple sessions to achieve the desired results for snoring.
• Tonsillectomy/Adenoidectomy: Enlarged tonsils and adenoids are often common contributors to snoring and sleep disturbances in adults and children alike. Removing the tonsils and/or adenoids can significantly help with snoring and other symptoms. 
• Nasal surgery:

When the cause of snoring is increased nasal congestion, or structural anomalies in the nasal structure, patients may benefit from a surgical intervention. A deviated septum of the nose may lead to a blocked airway, which can be treated successfully through a snoring surgery.

Over-the-counter Medicines

Having allergies, or smoking cigarettes may also contribute to a narrowed nasal airway. Avoiding triggers that lead to an allergic reaction, and avoiding smoking can be effective in managing snoring for some people. Medical treatment options, such as a nasal steroid spray or other allergy management options, may be helpful in some patients. However, muscle relaxants and sedatives may worsen snoring, so it’s better to steer clear of them.

There are many oral appliances available over-the-counter, which are often fitted by an ENT doctor and can help with snoring. Nasal dilator strips or nasal resistance valves may also be beneficial for some.

Cost of  Snoring Surgery

Snoring surgery cost depends on various factors such as an underlying condition causing snoring, mode of treatment, etc. Medicines that help with snoring may start at a cost of ₹100. The snoring surgery cost may range anywhere between ₹30,000 and ₹1,00,000 or higher.

Conclusion

The treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea is quite comprehensive and also requires managing associated problems, such as diabetes, obesity, etc. There are several surgical and non-surgical treatment options available for patients. A suitable treatment can help them manage symptoms and prevent complications. Along with such snoring surgery, making a conscious effort to lose weight is also beneficial.

This article has been medically reviewed by Dr Payal Chitransi, ENT Specialist