Snoring & Sleep Apnea

What are snoring and sleep apnea?

Snoring and sleep apnea can occur at the same time. But snoring may occur without sleep apnea.

Snoring

Snoring is the sound people make when air rushes past the relaxed muscles in the throat. Though snoring is common and affects almost everyone at some point, chronic, loud snoring may be a symptom of sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that affects breathing while you sleep. 

The two types of sleep apnea include obstructive sleep apnea (relaxation of the throat muscles that obstruct breathing) and central sleep apnea (malfunction of the brain signals that control the muscles needed for breathing).

What are other symptoms of sleep apnea?

Though loud, chronic snoring is the most notable symptom of sleep apnea, it’s not the only symptom to look out for. Other symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Falling asleep during the day
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating

Your sleeping partner may also report that you stop breathing during your sleep. If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, you need to schedule an appointment with the experts at ENT Specialists for an evaluation.

What happens during a snoring and sleep apnea evaluation?

The details of your snoring and sleep apnea evaluation may depend on your symptoms and medical history. During your initial exam, the team at ENT Specialists reviews your symptoms and your medical and family history, and performs a physical exam.

To determine the underlying cause of your snoring and the type of sleep apnea you have, the team recommends you participate in a sleep study. ENT Specialists is a full-service ENT practice and conducts on-site sleep studies so you can get the answers you need quickly.

What are the treatments for snoring and sleep apnea?

The team at ENT Specialists develops individualized treatment plans for the management of your snoring and sleep apnea based on the results of your sleep study. 

Your treatment plan may include:

• Weight loss
• Smoking cessation
• Treatment for allergies
• Tips for getting a better night’s rest

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the most common therapy recommended for people with moderate to severe sleep apnea. It works by maintaining an air pressure greater than the air in your bedroom, which helps keep your airway passages open.

Though a CPAP machine is the primary therapy for sleep apnea, the experts at ENT Specialists offer an innovative therapy called Inspire® upper airway stimulation to treat moderate to severe sleep apnea. 

Inspire is an implantable system that delivers mild stimulation to key airway muscles, which keeps the passages open while you sleep.

Snoring is common, but may also be a symptom of sleep apnea. To get answers to your health concerns, call ENT Specialists or book online for an evaluation today.