Mr Raj Bhalla answers your questions on snoring

What is snoring and what causes it?

Snoring occurs when the flow of air to our throat is obstructed during sleep, causing our throat tissue to vibrate. This happens due to relaxed throat muscles, narrowed airways and blocked or partially blocked nasal passages. When we sleep, these factors lead to partial obstruction, creating the sound we know as snoring. Being overweight, drinking alcohol before bed or a stuffy nose can make snoring worse. 

Why do some people snore more than others?

People snore for different reasons. It could be temporary due to a blocked nose or it could be anatomical due to large tonsils, the way their throat is shaped or a deviated septum, which causes difficulty in breathing through the nose, for example. 

How can snoring be treated?

Treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause. Lifestyle changes – such as weight loss, avoiding alcohol before bed, sleeping on your side or changing your sleep position, can make a big difference in many cases. Some people find that wearing a special mouthpiece to keep their airways open can help. 

For anatomical issues like enlarged tonsils or a deviated septum, surgery may be recommended. Laser-assisted procedures can also help to reshape tissues and reduce snoring. 

Consulting an ear, nose and throat specialist for a thorough evaluation and accurate diagnosis is essential. We can tailor treatments to your individual needs, aiming to improve your sleep quality by reducing or stopping snoring.