Snoring is that irritating, hoarse or harsh sound that occurs when air flows past relaxed tissues in your throat, causing those tissues to vibrate when you breathe. Studies show that 45% of men and 30% of women snore on a regular basis. Snoring doesn’t only affect the snorer’s sleep but also the spouse, partner or family members too.

Snoring can be a sign of a more serious health condition called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Obstructive sleep apnea is a health condition where breathing stops involuntarily for a short period of time when you are sleeping.

While snoring can be frustrating for all involved, remember – where there is a problem, there is a solution. Dr Martin Vanlierde is an ENT Surgeon and offers the following treatments to help with snoring:

• Nasal sprays and lifestyle changes may be recommended as first-line treatment.
• Palatal surgery
  This is a group of palate procedures that are done to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Palatal surgery involves tissue removal and repositioning, which aims to increase the size of the airway without affecting normal functions like speaking, breathing and swallowing.
• Nasal surgery
  Nasal congestion can cause or contribute to snoring. Nasal surgery is aimed at opening the pathways of sinuses and clear blockages.
• Oral prostheses
  may also be recommended to help keep the tongue forward when sleeping.