Snoring is a noise produced by vibration of tissues at the back of the nose, side walls of the throat or base of tongue. Surgery to reduce tissue in these areas is sometimes recommended. Nasal blockage may be associated with snoring in a small number of patients and correction of this may sometimes be indicated.

Obstructive sleep apnoea is a condition characterised by snoring, disrupted sleep and daytime sleepiness.  Dips in blood oxygen levels at night lead to constant arousal and patients may be prone to cardiovascular disease.  Obesity, alcohol and tobacco are important exacerbating factors.

In some patients, there may be evidence of mechanical obstruction e.g. nasal blockage, large tonsils or a receding jaw.

Patients with these symptoms will need careful assessment of their airways and will probably require a sleep study which in many cases can be undertaken with portable equipment used overnight at home.