Snoring

Background: Snoring is a common complaint from the patients partner. Often, it is of no consequence to the patient themselves. Snoring is often multifactorial. Consider obstructive sleep apnoea which may require investigation and management by the respiratory team. CPAP is first line treatment for patients with sleep apnoea and surgical interventions are rarely necessary. ENT do not run this service.

How to manage:

Complete an Epworth sleepiness score

Weight loss may provide a cure for some patients

Give lifestyle advice regarding good sleep hygiene and sleeping on their side rather than heir back

Consult respiratory referral guidelines

Referral guidance:

As per respiratory

ENT do not review patients with possible sleep apnoea or snoring as their primary complaint – we cannot arrange sleep studies or CPAP machines and any referral will only delay patient care