Snoring and Sleep Apnoea: Signs You Should Not Ignore
Learn the difference between ordinary snoring and possible obstructive sleep apnoea, how it is assessed, and which treatment options may help.
Read MoreHow an upper-airway assessment helps
The assessment starts with when the difficulty occurs, whether it affects breathing in or out, and whether it is associated with exercise, sleep, swallowing, voice changes or recent illness. Examination findings help determine whether the nose, throat, larynx or another part of the airway may be involved.
Depending on the symptoms, the next step may include a focused examination, endoscopic assessment or referral for other investigations. Treatment is guided by the cause rather than the sound or sensation alone.
Information that helps pinpoint the cause
- When the symptom began and whether it is getting worse
- Whether symptoms occur at rest, during activity or while asleep
- Any voice change, swallowing difficulty, choking or recurrent infections
- Current medicines, medical conditions and previous airway investigations
When to seek urgent help
Severe or sudden breathing difficulty, blue lips, inability to speak normally, or rapidly worsening airway symptoms require emergency medical care rather than a routine appointment.
This information is general and does not replace an individual medical assessment.
