Snoring and sleep apnea: which doctor to see
Snoring is not just night-time noise: when it comes with pauses in breathing (apnea), it affects the heart, blood pressure and daytime energy. If your family notices breathing pauses or you wake up exhausted, discuss it with an ENT doctor.
Common causes
- Narrowing of the airway during sleep — soft palate, tonsils, septum
- Excess weight
- Nasal congestion
- Alcohol and sleeping pills before bed
- Age-related loss of throat muscle tone
- Sleeping on your back
When to seek urgent help
Do not wait for a scheduled visit if you have any of these signs:
- Breathing pauses during sleep noticed by your family
- Marked daytime sleepiness — falling asleep at the wheel or at work
- Morning headaches and high blood pressure in the morning
- Waking up gasping or choking
- Snoring in a child who constantly breathes through the mouth
Ambulance: 103 (103 from a mobile) · Unified rescue service: 911
Your specialist
ENT specialist
What to bring to the visit
- Your partner's account of your sleep, or a phone recording of the snoring
- Your blood pressure readings and weight
- A list of medicines and sleeping aids
- Results of previous sleep studies, if any
Frequently asked questions
Why is sleep apnea dangerous?
Night-time breathing pauses raise the risk of hypertension, heart attack and stroke, and daytime sleepiness raises the risk of accidents. Apnea can be diagnosed and managed — it is worth the effort.
How is snoring evaluated?
An ENT doctor examines the nose and throat; a sleep study may follow. Based on the results, the plan may include treating the nose, losing weight or using breathing support devices.
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The information on this page is for reference only and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis in person. If your condition worsens, call 103.