A – Z of Illnesses & Conditions

Snoring: Snoring is the hoarse or harsh sound that occurs when your breathing is partially obstructed in some way while you're sleeping. Sometimes snoring may indicate a serious health condition. 

•     Being overweight -- the extra neck tissue puts pressure on the airways
•     Swelling of the tissue during the last month of pregnancy
•     Blockage in the nose caused by a crooked, bent, or deformed nasal septum (the structure that separates the nostrils)
•     Nasal polyps
•     Stuffed nose from a cold or allergies, especially if it lasts a long time

Snoring occurs when air flows past relaxed tissues in your throat causing the tissues to vibrate as you breathe thus creating irritating sounds. Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol close to bedtime or sleeping on your side, can help stop snoring.
Treatment can improve snoring in some cases, but a complete cure is not always possible.

You should see a doctor if your snoring is affecting aspects of your life, such as causing excessive tiredness and poor concentration or relationship problems with your partner. Excessive daytime sleepiness is particularly important because it increases the risk of a road traffic accident.