Snoring & Sleep Apnea: Causes, Risks & Treatment

Have you ever woken up feeling exhausted despite a full night’s sleep? Or perhaps your partner frequently complains about your loud snoring? While occasional snoring might be harmless, chronic snoring and disrupted sleep could indicate sleep apnea, a condition that affects breathing during sleep.

Many people dismiss snoring as a minor nuisance, but if left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to severe health complications, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and cognitive impairment. In children, untreated sleep-disordered breathing can affect growth, learning, and behavior.

If you or your child is experiencing sleep disturbances, loud snoring, or breathing difficulties at night, consulting an ENT specialist can be the first step toward restoring healthy sleep and preventing complications.

In this article, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, and treatments for snoring and sleep apnea, highlighting how a doctor can help manage this condition effectively.

What Is Snoring & Why Does It Happen?

Snoring occurs when airflow is partially obstructed while breathing during sleep. This obstruction causes the tissues in the throat to vibrate, creating a harsh, raspy sound.

Common Causes of Snoring

Several factors contribute to snoring, including:

• Blocked nasal passages (due to allergies, sinus infections, or a deviated septum)
• Enlarged tonsils & adenoids (especially in children)
• Obesity (excess weight can cause narrowing of the airway)
• Weak throat muscles & airway collapse
• Sleeping position (lying on your back may worsen snoring)
• Alcohol & sedatives (these relax the airway muscles, increasing snoring)

Occasional snoring is normal, but if it occurs frequently and is accompanied by breathing pauses, gasping, or choking sounds, it may indicate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to a blocked or narrowed airway. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), caused by airway collapse.

Each time breathing stops, the brain detects low oxygen levels and wakes the person up momentarily to restore airflow—often without them realizing it. This results in fragmented sleep and poor oxygen circulation.

Signs & Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Recognizing the symptoms of sleep apnea is crucial for early intervention. While some symptoms are obvious, others may be subtle and easy to overlook.

In Adults

• Loud, persistent snoring (often noticed by a partner)
• Gasping, choking, or pauses in breathing during sleep
• Morning headaches & dry mouth
• Waking up frequently at night
• Excessive daytime sleepiness & difficulty concentrating
• Irritability & mood swings

In Children

Children with sleep apnea may not always snore. Instead, they may show atypical signs, such as:

• Mouth-breathing & noisy breathing (similar to “Darth Vader” sounds)
• Teeth grinding (bruxism) at night
• Frequent bedwetting or sleepwalking
• Night terrors & restless sleep
• Hyperactivity, difficulty focusing, or behavioral issues in school

Since these symptoms can be mistaken for ADHD or other behavioral disorders, it’s important to have an otolaryngologist evaluate your child if you notice frequent sleep disturbances or excessive daytime fatigue.

Why Is Sleep Apnea Dangerous?

Ignoring sleep apnea can have serious health consequences over time.

In Adults, Untreated Sleep Apnea Can Lead To:

• High blood pressure & heart disease – Frequent drops in oxygen levels strain the cardiovascular system.
• Increased risk of stroke & diabetes – Sleep apnea contributes to metabolic and vascular issues.
• Memory problems & cognitive decline – Poor sleep affects brain function.
• Depression & mental health issues – Chronic fatigue can worsen mood disorders.

In Children, Untreated Sleep Apnea Can Lead To:

• Learning difficulties & poor academic performance – Sleep deprivation impacts concentration.
• Growth issues – Disrupted sleep interferes with growth hormone production.
• Facial & dental abnormalities – Chronic mouth-breathing affects jaw and teeth development.
• Behavioral problems – Poor sleep can lead to hyperactivity, impulsivity, and emotional instability.

If you suspect sleep apnea, consulting an ENT doctor in Singapore is crucial to prevent long-term complications.

How an ENT Specialist Diagnoses Sleep Apnea

An ENT specialist will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of sleep-disordered breathing. This may include:

• Physical examination of the throat, nose, and airway
• Nasal endoscopy to check for blockages (e.g., enlarged tonsils, polyps)
• Sleep study (polysomnography) to monitor breathing and oxygen levels overnight
• Allergy testing (if nasal congestion is suspected)

Once the underlying issue is identified, the ENT doctor will recommend the most suitable treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Snoring & Sleep Apnea

The treatment for sleep apnea and snoring depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause.

1. Lifestyle & Behavioral Changes (For Mild Cases)

• Weight loss – Reduces airway blockage from excess fat tissue.
• Sleeping on your side – Prevents airway collapse.
• Avoiding alcohol & sedatives – Keeps airway muscles from relaxing excessively.

2. CPAP Therapy (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)

For moderate to severe sleep apnea, a CPAP machine delivers a continuous stream of air to keep the airway open. It is the most effective non-surgical treatment for sleep apnea.

3. Surgical Treatments for Structural Issues

If airway obstruction is caused by anatomical problems, an ENT specialist in Singapore may recommend:

1. Tonsillectomy & adenoidectomy – Removes enlarged tonsils or adenoids (common in children).
2. Septoplasty – Corrects a deviated nasal septum to improve breathing.
3. Turbinate reduction – Shrinks swollen nasal turbinates to enhance airflow.
4. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) – Removes excess soft tissue in the throat to widen the airway.

4. Oral Appliances & Dental Devices

Oral appliances and dental devices, such as mandibular advancement devices (MADs), are commonly recommended for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea or snoring. These devices work by gently repositioning the lower jaw (mandible) and tongue forward, which helps to widen the airway and reduce airway collapse during sleep. By preventing the throat muscles from collapsing and obstructing airflow, MADs can effectively minimize snoring and reduce the frequency of breathing pauses in sleep apnea sufferers. Custom-fitted by a dentist or orthodontist, these devices are a non-invasive, convenient alternative to more complex treatments like CPAP therapy, offering significant improvements in sleep quality.

When Should You See an ENT Doctor in Singapore?

If you or your child experiences any of the following symptoms, it’s time to visit an ENT specialist:

• Loud snoring more than 3 nights a week
• Pauses in breathing, gasping, or choking during sleep
• Frequent morning headaches & dry mouth
• Daytime fatigue, poor concentration, or memory problems
• Nasal congestion & chronic mouth-breathing
• Hyperactivity or behavioral issues in children

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications, improve sleep quality, and enhance overall health.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Sleep Health

Snoring and sleep apnea are not just minor inconveniences—they can significantly impact your long-term health, energy levels, and cognitive function. If you or your child is struggling with snoring, disrupted sleep, or breathing difficulties, seeking professional healthy can make a significant difference.

Better sleep starts with better breathing! Schedule an appointment with a specialist today.