What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that affects how you breathe. While you sleep, you often stop breathing for brief periods of time and are likely to snore loudly.
There are three primary types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive sleep apnea: This type results in breathing disturbances and snoring when your throat muscles relax and obstruct the pathway of air.
- Central sleep apnea: This kind of sleep apnea relates to breathing difficulties caused by dysfunction in the brain signals that control your breath.
- Complex sleep apnea: This condition occurs because of both central and obstructive sleep apnea factors.
NY Center for Ear, Nose, Throat, Sinus & Allergy offers a custom Sleep & Snoring Management Program that uses the latest treatment modalities to address common causes of sleep apnea.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
Snoring is a hallmark symptom of sleep apnea. While you may not realize that you snore loudly most nights, your partner or other members of your household may tell you so. You may also frequently stop breathing for brief moments, causing you to gasp for breath.
Other common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Irritability
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Chronic daytime sleepiness
- Frequent dry mouth upon waking
The lack of high-quality sleep can also make it difficult for you to concentrate on work or personal tasks.
If you snore frequently and loudly and your disrupted sleep patterns begin affecting your life, schedule a sleep apnea evaluation as soon as possible.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
Your physician at NY Center for Ear, Nose, Throat, Sinus & Allergy initially discusses your medical history and symptoms during your sleep apnea consultation. They may also perform a physical examination of your throat and nasal cavity to determine if there’s an obvious obstruction.
If they feel you need further analysis, your provider recommends a sleep study to monitor your breathing patterns while you sleep.
What treatments are available for sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea may require surgical treatments to remove obstructions and clear the pathway of air in either your throat or your nasal passageway.
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is a procedure where your otolaryngologist reduces the size of your uvula — the hanging ball of tissue at the back of your throat — and the soft palate that obstructs your air when you sleep. If sinus obstruction affects your breathing, your physician may recommend an in-office surgery to reduce the structures in your nasal cavity that reduce airflow.
Breathe easier at night and achieve more restful sleep. Learn more about treating sleep apnea by scheduling an appointment online or by phone.
