| Snoring is often associated with abnormalities of the soft palate or uvula. The soft palate is the tissue that comprises part of the roof of the mouth. The uvula is the "punching bag" that hangs down in the back of your mouth from the soft palate [FIGURE 1]. An overly long or floppy soft palate or uvula may vibrate irregularly with airflow. This abnormal vibration makes a sound - snoring. Other sources may also contribute to snoring and, for this reason, careful and complete evaluation is imperative in order to direct effective treatment. Nasal sources (deviated septum, inferior turbinate hypertrophy, polyps, chronic and allergic nasal congestion), nasopharyngeal sources (enlarged adenoids and nasopharyngeal growths), oral sources (enlarged tongue base, small jaw, or tonsils), and throat and neck sources. (floppy neck soft tissues) may all contribute to snoring and to sleep apnea. |
