Snoring is a common, unpleasant phenomenon that can not only disrupt the sleep of the person affected but also affects the rest of those sleeping nearby. Although many people consider it harmless, there may be health-related problems in the background, such as sleep-related breathing disorder, sleep apnea, which, if left untreated, can pose a serious threat in the long term. With the help of the Dr. Rose Private Hospital Snoring examination package, the cause of snoring and the ear, nose and throat (ENT) lesion causing snoring can be identified, respiratory apnea can be ruled out or confirmed, and snoring can even be eliminated by setting up and implementing an appropriate treatment plan.
Snoring examination package
Causes and background of snoring
Snoring can be caused by a variety of anatomical and physiological factors that cause the airways to narrow during sleep. In such cases, air flows through the partially blocked airways, causing the soft tissues to vibrate, which results in the characteristic sound of snoring. Several factors can contribute to the development of airway narrowing during sleep, many of which can be traced back to individual anatomical characteristics. The most common anatomical causes are a narrow throat opening, enlarged tonsils, uvula or tongue, narrowing airways, a deviated septum, obesity with significant fatty deposits around the neck, and a decrease in muscle tone, primarily associated with age.
Components of the package
The Snoring examination package consists of three main parts, which can help determine the root cause of snoring and establish an appropriate treatment plan:
Ear, nose and throat examination: A detailed specialist examination can reveal possible anatomical abnormalities of the respiratory tract, such as a deviated septum or enlarged tonsils or uvula.
Polywatch: This wearable sleep monitoring device can track sleep-wake cycles, breathing movements, airflow, snoring, and any serious breathing interruptions during sleep.
Sleep endoscopy: A special diagnostic method in which, under light anesthesia, an otolaryngologist uses a flexible endoscope to examine where snoring may be occurring and where airway obstruction may be developing. This procedure helps determine the most effective treatment method.
Examination procedure
The ENT examination
The ear, nose and throat examination (ENT) begins by looking in detail at the history of the patient, paying particular attention to the order in which the symptoms appeared. We ask about previous ENT diseases and medications taken regularly.
This is followed by a general ENT physical examination. In addition to examining the ear and neck region, we pay special attention to examining the nose and sinuses, as well as the pharynx and larynx. The ENT specialist can detect structural changes that may contribute to airway narrowing, such as enlarged tonsils or a deviated septum, nasal polyps or chronic nasal congestion, and disorders of the pharynx and larynx.
The Polywatch sleep monitoring test
The Polywatch is a modern, home-use sleep monitoring device that enables simple and reliable screening of breathing-based sleep disorders – especially sleep apnea.
The test is performed overnight, in the patient’s home. The multi-channel sensors of the small device record physiological data during sleep for 6-7 hours: breathing movements, airflow, sleeping positions, snoring at the nose and mouth, heart rhythm, possible severe respiratory arrests during sleep, and consequent oxygen deficiency states.
The results are always evaluated by a somnologist (sleep specialist).
The ENT check-up and consultation
The ENT specialist determines the treatment plan and any further necessary tests, and decides on the need for sleep endoscopy, possible polysomnography sleep testing, or surgery, depending on the results of the previous ENT examination and Polywatch test.
Sleep endoscopy
Sleep endoscopy is a special diagnostic test during which, under short, surface anesthesia, the ENT specialist uses an endoscope to precisely map the location of snoring and airway obstruction. This procedure provides even more information to select the most effective, personalized treatment method.
The examination is performed as a day case in modern surgical conditions. Under mild, brief anesthesia, the specialist inserts a thin, flexible endoscope through the nose, with which they examine the throat and upper airway area in detail. The aim is to identify the exact location of the airway narrowing that causes snoring or sleep apnea – including the soft palate, tonsils, tongue and epiglottis. During the procedure, the examined areas are monitored on a high-resolution screen, and the recordings can be documented for later evaluation. By using various body positions and maneuvers, it is also possible to observe how the airway narrowing changes during sleep.
After the examination, the ENT specialist will provide detailed information about the causes of snoring and the necessary further treatments and interventions.