Excess body weight can increase tissue around the upper airway and may make the airway more likely to narrow during sleep. This can contribute to loud snoring, repeated pauses in breathing, disturbed sleep and daytime tiredness.
Symptoms that deserve attention
- Loud or persistent snoring
- Observed pauses in breathing during sleep
- Waking with choking, gasping or a dry mouth
- Morning headaches or daytime sleepiness
- Poor concentration or unrefreshing sleep
How an ENT evaluation can help
An ENT assessment may examine the nose, tonsils, palate, tongue base and other parts of the upper airway. Depending on the findings, the doctor may advise lifestyle changes, medical treatment, a sleep study, positive airway pressure therapy or selected surgical options.
Healthy weight is one part of care
Weight management may improve symptoms for some patients, but it should not replace proper evaluation. People with suspected sleep apnoea should seek medical advice because untreated sleep-disordered breathing may affect overall health.
This article is for general awareness only and does not replace an examination or sleep assessment.