Snoring, a form of sleep-disordered breathing, is very common. Almost half o f the UK’s population snore from time to time, and around a quarter of those are regular snorers. While snoring does not usually cause problems for the person doing it, it can affect their partners and in extreme circumstances can lead to marital difficulties.
What is snoring?
Snoring is a noise made during breathing which results from narrowing or blockage of the upper part of your airway during sleep. This reduced airflow causes structures in your throat and palate to vibrate generating the snoring noise. If the airway blockage is severe, this may result in sleep apnoea.
What is sleep apnoea?
The vast majority of snorers fall into the category of ‘simple snorers’. In some cases, however, snoring can be a sign of a more serious condition – sleep apnoea. This is when the blockage in your airway causes you to stop breathing for a few seconds resulting in a fall in oxygen levels in your blood causing the sufferer to wake up many times during the night. You might not even be aware that you’re waking up. This causes sleep disruption, tiredness and can affect your day-to-day life.
How we can help.
The Snoring Clinic is run by Bristol ENT Partnership at Spire Bristol Hospital. After a consultation with your surgeon and your diagnosis is confirmed, you will be advised of the most relevant treatment to you. Treatment can be much quicker and cheaper than expected – for example, the popular Pillar procedure takes just 25 minutes in an out patients room, with no need for a general anaesthetic, and costs from just £1000.
To see someone about your snoring problem, please make an appointment with one of the consultants in the Bristol ENT Partnership:
If you would like to find out more about the Snoring Clinic, please contact our Private Treatment Advisor on 0117 980 4080 or email cservice-br@spirehealthcare.com.