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  Dr Daniel Novakovic (Ear Nose and Throat Surgeon)
  Health Professional

  Dr Novakovic is an Australian Ear, Nose & Throat, Head & Neck surgeon with a special interest in voice and swallowing problems. He is subspecialty ... View profile

  This question is difficult to answer without more information including a detailed history and examination.
  
  Snoring tends to occur when part of the upper respiratory tract (back of nose, back of mouth and throat) vibrates as air runs across it. It occurs more at night because of muscle relaxation (ie decreased tone) which allows certain parts of the airway to become floppy and vibrate. It is generally made worse by alcohol and other agents which relax muscles.
  
  The treatment depends upon exactly why you are snoring and whether it is just snoring or actually sleep apnea (ie. pauses in your breathing associated with a drop in oxygen level). Simple snoring tends to be just annoying but if you wake feeling unrefreshed, have a poor nights sleep, have daytime tiredness or have blood pressure or heart problems this may point to obstructive sleepo apnea syndrome (OSAS) which is much more serious.
  
  Many anatomical factors can lead to snoring including - blocked nose, large tonsils, large tongue base, thick neck, obesity, long floppy palate or small jaw. Surgery aimed at correcting each of these factors is possible. Other options include the use of medical therapy to improve nose breathing or dental devices which pull the jaw and tongue forward. The treatment of your snoring depends upon the causative factors. I would thoroughly recommend review by an ENT surgeon with an interest in sleep surgery for the most accurate assessment of what can be done. Reply to this post  |  Report
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