Snoring is perceived as noisy breathing during sleep. In many cases, it is accompanied by episodes of sleep apnea, i.e. cessation of breathing while the person sleeps. When snoring is accompanied by symptoms of lack of sleep and sleepiness, it is important to investigate the underlying cause. The examination for snoring and apnea is important to be carried out by a specialized otolaryngologist, in order to find and effectively treat the cause of these conditions.

Snoring: Causes

Snoring occurs when air has difficulty flowing easily through the mouth or nose. When air is forced through an occluded area, the soft tissues in the oral cavity, nose, and throat bump against each other and vibrate. The soft tissues of the upper airway that undergo vibration are the navel, soft palate, tonsils, and lateral walls of the pharyngeal region. These vibrations cause snoring. Snoring itself can be a symptom of a health problem such as obstructive sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea: When it occurs & what it causes

Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder that occurs when a person is asleep, and it can be a potentially serious problem. Key signs of sleep apnea are heavy snoring, which is interrupted by intervals, during which breathing stops. Sleep apnea episodes can last several seconds and occur at frequent intervals, causing the patient to wake up several times during the night. Consequently, the person does not get enough rest and feels tired, sleepy and has a headache the next day, while also experiencing difficulty concentrating on performing mental tasks.

Causes of snoring and sleep apnea

The causes of snoring and sleep apnea include the obstruction of the nasal airways, which is caused by the existence of scoliosis of the nasal septum or nasal polyps and tumors of benign or cancerous origin, the insufficiency of the nasal valve, the hypertrophy of the adenoids and the nasal conchas . Hypertrophy of the soft tissues of the pharynx such as the palate, uvula, tonsils and lateral pharyngeal walls, laxity of the soft palate and the long length of the uvula aggravate this condition. At the same time, the relaxation of the muscles of the pharynx, which is aggravated by the consumption of alcohol and sedative and hypnotic drugs, as well as the excessive concentration of fat in the neck area and obesity are also causes of snoring and sleep apnea.

Examination for snoring and apnea: What does it include

A qualified otolaryngologist plays an important role in the examination for snoring and apnea in order to find out the cause behind the particular conditions. It is important to perform a thorough ENT examination to investigate the causes of the condition. Examination for snoring and apnea by ENT Surgeon in Athens Dr. Olga Papadopoulou includes obtaining a detailed patient history, clinical examination of the patient’s oral cavity, pharynx, dentures and tonsils, and recording the patient’s body weight. Then, an endoscopy of the nose and nasopharynx is performed, in order to study the structures inside the nose and nasopharynx in detail. This examination discovers any anatomical abnormalities or diseases that may be responsible for the occurrence of snoring and sleep apnea.

Examination for snoring and apnea: Further diagnostic tests

Another diagnostic test included in screening for snoring and apnea is a laryngoscopy, which examines the lower part of the pharynx, the base of the tongue, and the larynx to look for pathological issues that are causing obstruction. The Muller test is also a useful diagnostic method. During this test, the patient attempts to inhale with their mouth and nostrils closed after a flexible endoscope is inserted into their nose. The flexible endoscope helps create negative pressure in the oropharynx and hypopharynx area, helping to identify weakened parts of the airway that are causing obstruction. In some cases it is recommended to submit the patient to a sleep study.