Snoring & Sleep Apnea: How Your ENT Can Help You Sleep Better

Snoring is often dismissed as a minor nuisance, but it can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious medical condition known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). If left untreated, OSA can lead to severe health complications. ENT specialists play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating these sleep-related disorders.

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

OSA is a condition where the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, causing breathing interruptions. These pauses can occur multiple times an hour and often go unnoticed by the individual, although a bed partner may observe them.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea:

• Loud, chronic snoring
• Gasping or choking during sleep
• Daytime fatigue
• Morning headaches
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes or irritability

How ENT Specialists Can Help

ENT doctors evaluate the entire upper airway to determine where the obstruction is occurring. They may conduct:

• Nasal endoscopy to examine nasal passages
• Sleep studies (polysomnography)
• Imaging tests like CT scans to assess sinus or throat structures

Treatment Options

1. Lifestyle Modifications: Losing weight, avoiding alcohol, and sleeping on your side can help mild cases.
2. CPAP Therapy: A continuous positive airway pressure machine keeps airways open.
3. Surgical Options: ENT doctors may perform procedures such as septoplasty, tonsillectomy, or uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) to remove obstructions.
4. Oral Appliances: Custom dental devices that reposition the jaw to keep airways open.

Sleep apnea is not just about poor sleep—it increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and more. Timely diagnosis and treatment from an ENT specialist can drastically improve your health and well-being.

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