Snoring & sleep apnea assessment in Chiang Mai
Understand the cause, consider endoscopy and sleep testing when indicated, and choose treatment for your individual needs.
Snoring and sleep apnea assessment by Dr. Poj Pinyopornpanish
Tuesday & Thursday, 5:00–7:00 PM • Saturday & Sunday, 9:00–11:30 AM
Walk in for an assessment during these hours. Bring previous sleep studies and a medication list if available. Further tests and procedures depend on clinical indications.
Overview
How snoring differs from obstructive sleep apnea
Snoring is a sound caused by vibrating airway tissue during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) involves repeated airway obstruction. Snoring alone cannot establish whether OSA is present or how severe it is. Assessment guides the need for further testing.
Symptoms
Common symptoms
Symptoms vary. Some people snore only; others have features of OSA as well.
Regular snoring or witnessed pauses in breathing
Waking with gasping or unrefreshing sleep
Excessive daytime sleepiness or poor concentration
Associated nasal obstruction, mouth breathing or morning headaches
Possible causes
Factors that narrow the airway
Snoring and OSA often result from several factors that reduce upper airway size during sleep.
Airway narrowing
Relaxation of throat tissues, soft palate, or uvula during sleep can narrow the passage and cause snoring.
Obesity
Fat deposits around the neck and upper airway may increase the risk and severity of OSA.
Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
Especially in children and some adults, enlarged tissue can obstruct the posterior airway.
Deviated septum
Structural nasal deviation can make nasal breathing difficult and contribute to obstruction.
Allergic rhinitis
Chronic nasal congestion or sinus inflammation may promote mouth breathing and airway narrowing.
Craniofacial anatomy
A small jaw, short neck, or other facial structure features may narrow the airway from the outset.
When to seek assessment
When to see an ENT specialist
Consider assessment if you have any of the following:
Regular loud snoring or witnessed breathing pauses during sleep
Daytime sleepiness that affects work or driving safety
Unrefreshing sleep, morning headaches, or reduced concentration
High blood pressure, heart disease, or poorly controlled diabetes with suspected sleep problems
Persistent mouth breathing, nasal blockage, or tonsil/adenoid concerns
Previous OSA diagnosis with ongoing symptoms or difficulty using CPAP
YOUR ASSESSMENT
From ENT evaluation to an individual treatment plan
01 • ENT evaluation
Review snoring, witnessed pauses, daytime sleepiness, medical conditions, medications and previous results, with an upper airway examination.
02 • Endoscopy when indicated
Inspect relevant nasal and throat anatomy. Awake endoscopy does not replace sleep testing or rule out OSA on its own.
03 • Consider home or laboratory sleep testing
Home Sleep Test (HST/HSAT) is suitable for selected adults. Medical history and risk guide the test choice. A negative, inconclusive or inadequate result may require laboratory polysomnography (PSG).
04 • Review results and choose treatment
Severity, anatomy, test findings and patient preferences guide treatment and follow-up.
Tests are selected for your needs; not everyone requires every step.
Treatment
Treatment based on assessment, not snoring volume alone
RF is an option for selected patients, not a universal OSA treatment.
Nasal treatment or surgery when indicated
Treatment depends on the findings. Turbinate RF targets nasal obstruction and does not replace OSA management.
Lifestyle and contributing conditions
Discuss weight, sleep position, alcohol and nasal symptoms. Do not stop prescribed medicines on your own.
PAP / CPAP and oral appliances
Positive airway pressure or an oral appliance may be considered according to indications, severity and suitability, with follow-up.
RF soft palate for selected patients
Palatal RF is different from nasal turbinate RF. Airway anatomy and possible OSA need assessment first. It does not guarantee resolution of snoring or OSA and other treatment may be needed.
Service Fees & Appointments
Fees depend on the type of examination and treatment required. Please contact our clinic via LINE Official Account for further details.
BEFORE YOUR VISIT
Bring information that helps your assessment
Avoid driving if sleepiness makes it unsafe and seek an assessment.
Bring previous sleep studies, a medication list and CPAP information if available
Describe any witnessed breathing pauses or gasping
Contact the clinic to check consultation availability and preparation
Ask about assessment, endoscopy, HST and interpretation fees before deciding
FAQ
Questions patients often ask
Does everyone who snores have OSA?
No. Snoring alone cannot establish the diagnosis. Witnessed pauses or unusual sleepiness warrant assessment.
Does endoscopy replace a sleep test?
No. Endoscopy assesses anatomy; sleep testing assesses breathing during sleep. Normal awake endoscopy does not rule out OSA.
Is HST suitable for everyone?
No. A clinician selects suitable adults based on symptoms and medical conditions. Children and complex cases may need other testing.
What if HST is negative but symptoms persist?
Discuss symptoms and recording quality with the doctor. A negative, inconclusive or inadequate test may need follow-up PSG.
How is palatal RF different from nasal RF?
They target different sites: the soft palate and nasal turbinates. Neither is a universal OSA treatment; selection depends on the assessment.
Does palatal RF require recovery and follow-up?
Pain, swelling or swallowing discomfort can occur, and bleeding or infection are possible. The doctor explains individual risks, recovery and follow-up, including sleep reassessment when indicated.
How should I prepare and what does it cost?
Bring previous results and a medication list. Contact the clinic for appointment availability, current fees and included or separate charges before deciding on treatment.
Who will assess me and when can I visit?
Snoring and sleep apnea assessment by Dr. Poj Pinyopornpanish Tuesday & Thursday, 5:00–7:00 PM • Saturday & Sunday, 9:00–11:30 AM Walk in for an assessment during these hours. Bring previous sleep studies and a medication list if available. Further tests and procedures depend on clinical indications.
References
Related guidelines and patient resources
The sources below are recognized international guidelines and patient-education resources for general learning. They are not individualized medical advice.
Obstructive sleep apnea and snoring resources
American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM)
View source (American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM))Snoring patient information
AAO-HNS / ENThealth
View source (AAO-HNS / ENThealth)Patient education and clinical guidance in otolaryngology
American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS)
View source (American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS))Public ENT health information
ENThealth (AAO-HNS Foundation)
View source (ENThealth (AAO-HNS Foundation))
Educational information
Medical Disclaimer
This information is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a qualified physician. If you have concerning symptoms, please consult an ENT specialist.
Related links
Learn more
Related clinic pages to help you explore conditions, services, and procedures.
Start with an assessment of your snoring
Snoring and sleep apnea assessment by Dr. Poj Pinyopornpanish • Tuesday & Thursday, 5:00–7:00 PM • Saturday & Sunday, 9:00–11:30 AM • Walk in for an assessment during these hours. Bring previous sleep studies and a medication list if available. Further tests and procedures depend on clinical indications.