Does tonsillectomy reduce the risk of being a habitual or severe snorer?

Abstract

We assessed the relationship between tonsillectomy and being a habitual or severe snorer. Volunteers were asked to provide their age and sex, a detailed snoring history covering the frequency and intensity of snoring, and their smoking and alcohol intake habits. After oral and nasal examinations, the tonsil size scores, Mallampati index scores, and nasal obstructions of the volunteers were recorded. Body heights and weights were measured, and body mass indexes were calculated. Being male, aging, an increase in body mass index and tonsillectomy were identified as independent risk factors for being a habitual and severe snorer. Although a nasal obstruction was found to be an independent risk factor for being a habitual snorer, an obstructive tongue base was identified as an independent risk factor for being a severe snorer. Tonsillectomy reduces the risk of being both a habitual and severe snorer. This reduced incidence and intensity of snoring following tonsillectomy could be accepted as a long-term beneficial side effect of the operation. © 2008 Springer-Verlag.