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Ear Nose Throat

Snoring-Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Sleep apnea syndrome is a common and serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and restarts during sleep.

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ℹWhat is Snoring-Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome?

Apnea: The complete cessation of airflow for 10 seconds or longer.

Hypopnea: A reduction in airflow of 30% or more for at least 10 seconds, accompanied by a 4% drop in oxygen saturation.

There are three types:

  1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common type; the airway becomes blocked when throat muscles relax.

  2. Central Sleep Apnea: There is no physical obstruction; it is caused by a signaling disorder in the brain.

  3. Complex (Mixed) Sleep Apnea: A combination of both types.

Common Symptoms

Loud Snoring
Usually very severe and interrupted by pauses in breathing.
Witnessed Apnea
Observation by others of breathing stopping during sleep.
Waking Up with a Choking Sensation
Suddenly waking up gasping for breath during the night.
Morning Dry Mouth and Headache
Waking with severe dry mouth or sore throat.
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Falling asleep during the day due to poor quality of sleep at night (hypersomnia).
Large Neck Circumference
Neck circumference >43 cm in men, >38 cm in women increases risk.

Diagnosis Methods

Polysomnography
The most comprehensive overnight sleep study monitoring heart rate, respiration, blood oxygen, brain waves, and other parameters.
Home Sleep Apnea Test
A home-based version of sleep study that does not monitor brain waves and cannot diagnose central sleep apnea.

Causes

Obesity
Fat deposits around the neck narrow the airway.
Large Tonsils and Adenoids
Cause physical airway obstruction.
Narrow Throat or Jaw Structure
Anatomical structure may limit the airway.
Heart Failure or Stroke
May cause central sleep apnea.
Alcohol and Sedatives
Increase obstruction by relaxing the throat muscles.

Treatments

Lifestyle Changes
Weight loss, positional therapy (sleeping on the side), restriction of alcohol/medication, and quitting smoking.
CPAP Device
The gold standard treatment for moderate to severe OSA. The airway is kept open by providing continuous pressurized air via a mask.
Oral Appliances
Mandibular advancement devices expand the airway by pulling the lower jaw forward.
Surgical Methods
UPPP (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty), nasal surgery, maxillomandibular advancement.
Upper Airway Stimulation
A device placed in the chest wall stimulates the tongue muscles during inhalation to prevent the tongue from falling backward.

Second opinion for Snoring-Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

A second specialist's review of your Snoring-Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome diagnosis or treatment plan can clarify your next step. On eKonsey this review is done online.

When is a second opinion useful?

  • When the diagnosis is unclear or more than one possibility was discussed
  • When surgery or a long-term treatment was recommended
  • When the response to treatment is not what you expected

About second opinions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: August 30, 2026

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