Snoring is a common problem caused by vibration of tissues in the upper airway during sleep. Occasional snoring may be harmless, but persistent loud snoring can sometimes be associated with obstructive sleep apnea or other breathing problems. When lifestyle changes, positional therapy, oral appliances, or treatment for underlying nasal and airway conditions do not provide sufficient relief, surgery may be considered for selected patients. The appropriate procedure depends on the anatomical cause of airway obstruction.
During sleep, muscles in the throat and upper airway naturally relax. In some people, this relaxation narrows the airway. Air moving through the narrowed passage can cause surrounding tissues to vibrate, producing the sound known as snoring.
Factors that can contribute include:
Identifying the specific cause is important before considering surgery.
Surgery is generally considered when there is a structural problem contributing to airway obstruction or when other treatments have not provided adequate improvement.
An evaluation may be appropriate when snoring is:
Snoring accompanied by breathing pauses can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea and should be medically evaluated.
Snoring does not always mean sleep apnea, but the two conditions can occur together.
Obstructive sleep apnea involves repeated narrowing or blockage of the upper airway during sleep. Possible symptoms include:
A sleep study may be recommended when sleep apnea is suspected.
Treating simple snoring and treating obstructive sleep apnea are not always the same. Surgery intended primarily to reduce snoring should not be assumed to cure sleep apnea.
Several procedures can address different anatomical sources of airway obstruction.
Tonsillectomy involves removing the tonsils.
Large tonsils can narrow the throat and contribute to snoring or obstructive sleep apnea, particularly in children.
The procedure may be considered when enlarged tonsils are a major source of obstruction.
Adenoidectomy removes enlarged adenoid tissue located behind the nose.
It is commonly performed in children when enlarged adenoids contribute to nasal obstruction, snoring, or sleep-disordered breathing.
Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy may be performed together when both tissues contribute to airway obstruction.
A deviated nasal septum can restrict airflow through the nose.
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure used to straighten or reshape the nasal septum to improve nasal airflow.
It may help when nasal obstruction contributes to snoring, although improving nasal airflow does not necessarily eliminate throat-based snoring or sleep apnea.
The turbinates are structures inside the nose that help warm and humidify inhaled air.
Enlarged turbinates can contribute to nasal blockage.
Turbinate reduction decreases the size of enlarged turbinate tissue to improve nasal airflow.
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, commonly abbreviated as UPPP, removes or reshapes selected tissue in the throat and soft palate.
Depending on the procedure, tissue involving the uvula, soft palate, tonsils, or surrounding throat structures may be modified.
UPPP can be considered for selected patients with significant upper-airway obstruction, particularly when other treatments are unsuitable or unsuccessful.
Several less-invasive procedures target the soft palate.
These may use techniques such as radiofrequency energy to stiffen or reduce selected tissues.
Palatal procedures may reduce snoring in some patients, but results vary depending on the underlying anatomy.
In some people, the tongue contributes significantly to airway obstruction during sleep.
Selected surgical procedures can reduce or reposition tissue around the tongue base.
These procedures are generally considered after a detailed evaluation of the airway.
There is no single operation that works for every person who snores.
An evaluation may include:
In some cases, specialized examinations during sleep may help identify the location and pattern of airway collapse.
Before surgery, the healthcare team generally reviews overall health, medications, previous treatments, and the suspected cause of snoring.
If obstructive sleep apnea is suspected, a sleep study may be performed before deciding on surgery.
The evaluation may also consider whether non-surgical treatments could provide adequate improvement.
Recovery depends on the procedure performed.
Nasal procedures may cause temporary congestion, swelling, or discomfort. Throat procedures can cause significant soreness during the healing period.
Recovery instructions may include:
The healthcare team should provide procedure-specific recovery instructions.
Potential benefits depend on the underlying cause.
Surgery may:
The degree of improvement varies. Some people may continue to snore even after successful surgery.
As with any surgical procedure, snoring surgery can involve risks.
Potential complications vary by procedure and may include:
More extensive throat procedures can have additional risks. A surgeon should explain procedure-specific complications before treatment.
Yes. Surgery does not guarantee permanent elimination of snoring.
Snoring can return or persist because of:
Long-term results depend on the underlying cause and individual circumstances.