Snoring Melbourne

At Melbourne ENT, located in St Kilda East, Victoria, we specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of snoring and related airway disorders. Our dedicated team, led by ENT surgeons Dr Stephen Kleid and Dr Simon Braham, combines decades of clinical experience with the latest surgical techniques to provide lasting relief from snoring. As a premier ENT clinic, we manage a wide range of ear, nose, and throat concerns for both adults and children, ensuring comprehensive and compassionate care tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

What Is Snoring?

Snoring is the result of turbulent airflow causing tissue vibrations in the upper airway during sleep. It typically originates in the soft palate, uvula, tonsils, or tongue base. While occasional snoring is harmless, persistent snoring may be a sign of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), a condition where the airway intermittently collapses during sleep, disrupting breathing and reducing oxygen levels. This can have significant effects on overall health, including cardiovascular and metabolic risks.

In many cases, snoring can also lead to poor sleep quality, strained relationships, and decreased daytime functioning. Understanding the underlying anatomical and functional causes of snoring is essential for effective treatment.

Common Symptoms Of Snoring

Snoring often manifests through a variety of symptoms that affect both night-time rest and daytime wellbeing. At night, individuals may experience loud, chronic snoring that disrupts their partner’s sleep, along with episodes of choking, gasping, or snorting that may indicate airway obstruction. These interruptions often lead to frequent awakenings or fragmented sleep, leaving the person feeling unrefreshed upon waking.

During the day, sufferers may report headaches, particularly in the morning, as well as sore throats due to mouth breathing. Persistent fatigue, poor concentration, memory lapses, and mood disturbances such as irritability or depression are also common. Children may present with additional signs, including bedwetting, behavioural issues, and difficulty in school, all of which can be linked to inadequate sleep caused by snoring.

Who Is Affected By Snoring?

Snoring can affect individuals of all ages and backgrounds, but certain groups are more at risk than others. Adult men, particularly those over the age of 40, are statistically more likely to snore due to physiological and hormonal factors. However, postmenopausal women also show increased prevalence due to changes in airway muscle tone. Obesity plays a significant role, as excess weight around the neck can narrow the airway.

Structural issues such as a deviated septum, nasal polyps, or enlarged tonsils and adenoids also contribute to airflow obstruction. Lifestyle factors, including alcohol consumption, sedative use, and smoking, can exacerbate snoring by relaxing airway muscles or causing inflammation. Even children can be affected, particularly those with large tonsils or adenoids, and early intervention is important to support healthy development and academic performance.

Diagnosis And Evaluation At Melbourne ENT

A thorough evaluation is essential to determine the cause and severity of snoring. At Melbourne ENT, our diagnostic approach is meticulous and patient-centred. The process begins with a detailed consultation that includes a comprehensive review of medical history, lifestyle factors, and symptom patterns. This is followed by a physical examination of the nasal passages, oral cavity, throat, soft palate, and neck to identify anatomical abnormalities.

Nasal endoscopy allows us to visualise the internal structures of the nose and throat in real time, providing valuable insights into airway obstructions. Where sleep apnoea is suspected, we arrange a sleep study, known as polysomnography, which can be conducted either at home or in a dedicated sleep lab to monitor breathing, oxygen levels, and sleep stages.

In more complex cases, imaging such as CT or MRI scans may be employed to evaluate the sinuses and deeper airway structures. This comprehensive assessment helps us distinguish between simple snoring and more severe conditions like obstructive sleep apnoea, guiding effective treatment planning.

Treatment Options For Snoring

Treatment for snoring at Melbourne ENT is highly individualised, based on the underlying cause, symptom severity, and patient preferences. For many patients, non-surgical interventions provide significant relief. These may include weight reduction through lifestyle changes, positional therapy to encourage side-sleeping, and the use of nasal sprays or strips to relieve congestion.

Mandibular advancement devices, which reposition the jaw during sleep, are often effective in cases involving tongue base collapse. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is the gold standard for treating sleep apnoea, although tolerance can vary.

For those who do not respond to conservative treatments or have anatomical blockages, surgical intervention may be necessary. Melbourne ENT offers a range of advanced surgical solutions. Septoplasty and turbinoplasty correct structural nasal issues to improve airflow. Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy remove obstructive tissue, particularly effective in children. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) targets the soft palate and uvula to open the airway.

Reduction laryngoplasty is available for airway feminisation and structural refinement. Endoscopic sinus surgery addresses chronic sinus issues that contribute to snoring. Often, procedures are combined to address multiple obstruction points in a single operation, maximising results and minimising downtime.

When Is Surgery Recommended?

Surgical treatment for snoring is typically recommended when structural abnormalities are clearly identified, and non-surgical options have been ineffective. Surgery is also appropriate when a sleep study confirms obstructive sleep apnoea, especially in patients who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy. In such cases, surgery can offer a more permanent and manageable solution.

Additionally, patients who seek a long-term resolution for snoring or who require correction of multiple anatomical issues may benefit from surgery. At Melbourne ENT, our surgeons carefully evaluate each case to ensure that surgery is truly in the patient’s best interest. Dr Kleid and Dr Braham often perform multi-level procedures, addressing nasal, palatal, and throat obstructions simultaneously to deliver comprehensive and lasting improvements in breathing and sleep quality.

Recovery And Prognosis

The recovery process following snoring surgery varies depending on the type and extent of the procedure. Generally, patients are advised to rest for at least one to two weeks, with pain management strategies in place to minimise discomfort. Nasal rinses, hydration, and gentle care of the surgical site are important for optimal healing. Strenuous activity should be avoided during the initial recovery phase to prevent bleeding or swelling. Follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments.

Most patients report significant improvements in their sleep patterns, reduction in snoring, and increased energy levels within weeks of surgery. In children, the benefits are often even more dramatic, with noticeable changes in behaviour, academic performance, and overall wellbeing. Long-term prognosis is excellent when surgery is combined with healthy lifestyle habits and appropriate follow-up care.

Risks Or Complications If Left Untreated

Ignoring chronic snoring, particularly when associated with sleep apnoea, can have serious consequences for health and wellbeing. Repeated airway obstruction during sleep reduces oxygen levels in the blood, placing strain on the heart and increasing the risk of high blood pressure, arrhythmias, and stroke. Over time, untreated sleep apnoea can contribute to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Cognitive function may decline due to interrupted sleep, leading to memory issues, impaired judgment, and reduced productivity. Mood disorders such as depression and anxiety are also more prevalent among individuals with untreated snoring or apnoea. Relationships can suffer due to disrupted sleep for both the individual and their partner. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent these complications and restore quality of life.

Why Choose Your Surgeon

Dr Stephen Kleid brings over 30 years of ENT experience to Melbourne ENT. He has held senior positions at Royal Melbourne Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and has contributed extensively to research and education in ENT surgery. His expertise in airway and head and neck procedures ensures that patients receive thorough, skilled care tailored to their unique anatomy and concerns.

Dr Simon Braham complements this with dual training in ENT and additional advanced training in aesthetic and reconstructive echniques from the United States. He has a special interest in sleep apnoea and paediatric ENT surgery and holds appointments at major public hospitals including the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. His approach combines aesthetic sensitivity with functional excellence, making him a trusted choice for patients of all ages.

Together, Dr Kleid and Dr Braham provide a comprehensive, collaborative service grounded in the latest medical evidence and guided by each patient’s goals and needs. Their patient-first philosophy ensures that everyone receives respectful, personalised care with a clear plan and ongoing support.

CTA – Concerned About Snoring?

If you or your loved one is struggling with snoring or sleep disruption, take the first step towards better health and restful nights by booking a consultation with Melbourne ENT. Our dedicated team is committed to supporting you through every phase of care, from initial diagnosis to treatment and long-term recovery.

To arrange an appointment with Dr Stephen Kleid, please call (03) 9038 1630 or arrange an appointment with Dr Simon Braham through his phone (03) 9038 1311.

Further Reading

• Read about Melbourne ENT’s Nose Concerns and Conditions
• Read about Melbourne ENT’s Throat Concerns
• Read about Melbourne ENT’s Snoring – Sleep Apnoea
• Read about melbourne ENT’s Snoring Surgery Melbourne