Obstructive sleep apnoea
Repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, often with loud snoring and daytime tiredness.
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common condition in which the airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep. Breathing pauses for a few seconds at a time, the level of oxygen in the blood dips, and the brain briefly wakes to restore the airway. This can happen many times an hour without you being aware of it.
Common symptoms
- Loud snoring, sometimes with gasping or choking
- Pauses in breathing noticed by a partner
- Waking unrefreshed and feeling sleepy during the day
- Poor concentration, low mood, or morning headaches
Why the nose matters
A blocked nose makes the airway more likely to collapse and can make treatments such as CPAP harder to tolerate. Assessing and treating nasal obstruction is often part of managing snoring and sleep apnoea, which is where a rhinology-led approach helps.
Assessment and treatment
Assessment may include a careful history, examination of the nose and throat, and a sleep study. Treatment is tailored to the cause and severity, ranging from weight and lifestyle measures and treating nasal obstruction, through to CPAP or surgery in selected cases.
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This page is general information and not a substitute for individual medical advice.