Although snoring is usually seen as a social nuisance, modern medicine regards it as an important signal about our health. Especially when it is combined with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), the lack of oxygen the body is exposed to through the night brings serious risks.
The scientific reality: what does untreated apnoea lead to?
Large studies and expert bodies (AASM, ERS) agree on one point: untreated sleep apnoea significantly increases the long-term risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, cognitive decline and even early death. With regular treatment, however, these risks can be minimised.
Which treatment is the first choice for snoring?
Should every patient have surgery? Scientific guidelines recommend non-surgical methods first for snoring and mild to moderate apnoea:
- PAP (positive airway pressure) therapy: the first option, regarded as the gold standard in adults.
- Oral appliances: devices that bring the lower jaw forward are very effective in patients who cannot adapt to a PAP machine.
- Myofunctional therapy: specific exercises that strengthen the muscles of the upper airway offer a safe alternative with no side effects.
When is surgery needed?
Surgery is considered the first option particularly in children (in apnoea caused by enlarged adenoids and tonsils). In adults, surgery can reduce snoring markedly, but patient selection is critical for lasting success. It should be borne in mind that the benefit gained in the first years after surgery may lessen over time, and that there is a risk of complications.