Enlarged tissues in snoring and obstructive sleep apnea

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Enlarged tissues in the nose, mouth, or throat can block the airway, causing snoring or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The airway can be blocked by:

Enlarged tonsils and adenoids (the most common cause of sleep apnea in children).
A larger-than-normal uvula (the small, fingerlike piece of tissue that hangs down from the roof of the mouth into the throat). See an illustration of the tonsils, adenoids, and uvula .
Fat deposits around the neck. These can temporarily block your airway when you lie on your back, especially if you are overweight.
A large tongue, which may block your airway when you are lying down.
Nasal congestion that is caused by colds or allergies. The tissues in the nose may swell. People who have allergies may develop growths in the nose called nasal polyps, which also may block the nasal passage.

Credits

Author	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Jan Ulfberg, MD, PhD - Sleep Disorders
Last Updated	July 13, 2007

Last updated:	July 13, 2007
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Reviewed By:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, Jan Ulfberg, MD, PhD - Sleep Disorders
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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