Snoring and Sleep Apnoea in Adults – ENT Causes and Treatments
Snoring is extremely common—affecting around 40% of adults at some stage. While it can be little more than a nuisance, in some cases snoring is a sign of a more serious condition: obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Both can have a significant impact on sleep quality, health, and relationships.
At Hampshire ENT Clinics, our specialists investigate and treat the underlying causes of snoring and sleep apnoea, helping patients breathe and sleep better.
Why Do Adults Snore?
Snoring happens when the flow of air through the nose or throat is partially blocked, causing vibration of the soft tissues. ENT-related causes include:
Nasal obstruction – from a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, or nasal polyps.
Throat anatomy – enlarged tonsils, elongated soft palate, or bulky tongue base.
Weight and lifestyle factors – excess weight, alcohol, and smoking can worsen snoring.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)?
OSA occurs when the airway collapses repeatedly during sleep, leading to pauses in breathing. This causes disrupted sleep and reduced oxygen levels.
Symptoms may include:
Loud snoring, often with pauses or choking sounds.
Excessive daytime tiredness.
Morning headaches.
Poor concentration and memory.
Irritability or low mood.
Untreated OSA can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
ENT Assessment of Snoring and Sleep Apnoea
At Hampshire ENT Clinics, assessment may include:
Nasal endoscopy to check for structural obstruction.
Sleep studies to diagnose and grade OSA.
Allergy or breathing tests if nasal congestion is contributing.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause and severity:
For Snoring
Lifestyle measures: weight loss, avoiding alcohol at night, sleeping on your side.
Medical treatments: nasal sprays for allergy or congestion.
ENT surgery: septoplasty, turbinoplasty, tonsillectomy, or procedures to tighten the palate.
For Sleep Apnoea
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) – the gold standard for moderate to severe OSA.
Mandibular advancement devices – oral appliances that bring the jaw forward, suitable for mild OSA.
Surgical options – correcting nasal blockage, tonsillectomy, tongue base reduction, or other airway surgery for carefully selected patients.
Why Choose Hampshire ENT Clinics?
Expert ENT surgeons experienced in the full range of snoring and sleep apnoea treatments.
Comprehensive assessment to identify the exact cause of obstruction.
Tailored treatment plans combining lifestyle, medical, and surgical options.
Collaborative care with sleep medicine specialists when CPAP or sleep studies are needed.
Take the Next Step
If snoring or sleep apnoea is affecting your health—or your household—help is available. Clinics available at Portsmouth, Winchester & Salisbury, and the wider Hampshire region.
📞 Contact Hampshire ENT Clinics today for a consultation and start your journey to quieter, healthier sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)
Is snoring always a medical problem?
No. Snoring is very common and is often related to nasal blockage, throat anatomy, or lifestyle factors such as alcohol and weight. However, persistent loud snoring, especially with pauses in breathing or daytime sleepiness, should be assessed to rule out obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).
What is the difference between snoring and sleep apnoea?
Snoring is caused by vibration of relaxed tissues in the airway.
OSA is more serious and occurs when the airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, causing pauses in breathing, drops in oxygen levels, and fragmented sleep.
How do I know if I might have sleep apnoea?
You should seek assessment if you have:
Loud snoring most nights
Witnessed pauses, choking, or gasping at night
Excessive daytime tiredness
Morning headaches
Poor concentration or memory
High blood pressure with snoring
These features suggest OSA rather than simple snoring.
Can ENT problems cause snoring or OSA?
Yes. Common ENT-related causes include:
Deviated nasal septum
Enlarged turbinates or nasal polyps
Large tonsils
Long or floppy soft palate
Tongue base crowding
Identifying and treating these factors can significantly improve symptoms.
What tests are needed to diagnose sleep apnoea?
Assessment may include:
ENT examination and nasal endoscopy
Sleep study (home or hospital-based) to confirm OSA and assess severity
Not everyone who snores needs a sleep study — it depends on symptoms and risk factors.
Can snoring be treated without surgery?
Yes. Many patients improve with:
Weight loss and lifestyle changes
Avoiding alcohol before bed
Treating nasal congestion or allergies
Positional therapy (sleeping on your side)
ENT specialists focus on correcting reversible causes first.
What is CPAP and when is it needed?
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) keeps the airway open using gentle air pressure via a mask. It is the gold standard treatment for moderate to severe OSA and is highly effective when used consistently.
Are there alternatives to CPAP?
Yes, depending on severity and anatomy:
Mandibular advancement splints (mouth guards) for mild OSA
Targeted ENT surgery in carefully selected patients
Combination approaches (e.g. nasal surgery to improve CPAP tolerance)
Can surgery cure snoring or sleep apnoea?
Surgery can be very effective in selected patients, particularly where there is a clear anatomical cause (e.g. nasal blockage or large tonsils). It is not suitable for everyone, which is why specialist ENT assessment is essential.
Why see an ENT specialist for snoring or OSA?
An ENT specialist identifies where the airway is narrowing and tailors treatment accordingly. At Hampshire ENT Clinics, patients receive:
Consultant-led assessment
Full evaluation of nasal and throat causes
Access to medical, surgical, and sleep medicine pathways
Where are appointments available?
Snoring and sleep apnoea clinics are available across Portsmouth, Winchester, Salisbury, and the wider Hampshire region.