Sleep Disorders and Related Conditions

San Antonio ENT can confirm cases of sleep apnea by performing a sleep study. Sleep apnea is linked to health issues such as high blood pressure, heart and lung disorders, stroke, and even early death. We can treat sleep apnea in San Antonio using medical therapy, a CPAP device, or advanced surgical interventions. Our specialists can also diagnose and treat other ENT conditions affecting healthy sleep.

Find your ENT Request Appointment

Simple, Non-Invasive Sleep Solutions

We may advise considering simple solutions and lifestyle changes that could benefit your sleep regularity as a first step. These solutions could include:

Establishing a consistent sleep schedule and ensuring a restful sleep environment.
Avoiding stimulants like caffeine close to bedtime and eating a balanced diet.
Losing excess weight through a combination of diet and regular exercise.
Over-the-counter sleep medications for short-term relief of sleeping difficulties.

When simple solutions fall short, San Antonio ENT excels in the personal treatment of complex sleep disorders.

Specialized Sleep Diagnosis

A sleep study is used to evaluate and diagnose sleep disorders. During a sleep study, various sensors are attached to the body to monitor different aspects of sleep, such as brain activity, eye movement, heart rate, respiratory effort, airflow, and oxygen levels. The data collected helps sleep specialists analyze sleep patterns and identify any issues to establish a custom treatment plan.

Sleep Disorders and Other Conditions

Our ENT providers are also trained to diagnose and treat many other conditions that affect the Ears, Nose, Throat, Face, Head and Neck. We offer the diagnosis of sleep disorders and sleep apnea by performing a sleep study. Sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, heart and lung disorders, stroke, and even early death.

Furthermore, we are able to treat sleep apnea using medical therapy, CPAP device, as well as surgical care. Our specialists can also diagnose and treat TMJ disorders and other ENT Conditions.

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder characterized by repetitive interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions, known as apneas, occur when the muscles at the back of the throat temporarily collapse, obstructing the airway. Common symptoms of OSA include loud snoring, abrupt awakenings accompanied by a choking or gasping sound, excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and morning headaches. Obesity, physical obstructions, age, and family history can increase risk.

How is Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treated?

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a highly effective treatment for OSA. A CPAP machine delivers air through a mask worn over the nose or both the nose and mouth. The pressurized air prevents airway collapse and ensures a continuous supply of oxygen to the lungs. Before using the CPAP, a San Antonio sleep specialist will determine the optimal pressure level for each patient during a sleep study.

Other Factors Affecting Sleep

Sleep quality can be influenced by additional factors beyond OSA, including the physical structure of the nose, throat, and jaw. Anatomical issues such as a deviated septum, enlarged tonsils, and structural problems in the throat or jaw, like a narrow airway or misalignment, can all contribute to breathing difficulties and fragmented sleep. During evaluation, our sleep specialists can assess these structural considerations using imaging studies or diagnostic tests to identify potential physical obstructions.

Surgical Sleep Interventions

Surgical intervention can be a valuable option to address sleep disorders, particularly when milder solutions have failed, and physical examinations have revealed obstacles in the breathing passages. Different types of surgeries are available depending on each patient’s unique situation:

Maxillofacial Surgery

This surgery focuses on the upper jaw (maxilla) and face structure. Maxillofacial surgery may be recommended to address jaw structure affecting tongue compression and airway constriction.

Throat Surgery

Throat surgery, also known by the more technical name of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) surgery, can be used to remove excess tissue from the uvula, soft palate, and pharynx (upper throat). UPPP can reduce airway obstruction by creating more space in the throat.

Nasal Surgery

Nasal surgery may involve addressing a deviated septum or nasal polyps. Removing structural abnormalities can facilitate smoother airflow and may reduce nasal congestion.

The Importance of a Good Night’s Sleep

Addressing sleep disorders offers short-term and long-term benefits for overall health and well-being. Effective treatment can lead to immediate improvements in sleep quality, enhanced daily functioning, alertness, and improved mood. In the long term, addressing sleep apnea can reduce the risk of conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

San Antonio ENT Can Help You Enjoy Healthy, Restorative Sleep.

At San Antonio ENT, our experienced team is here to help you achieve restful and rejuvenating sleep. Whether through medical therapy, innovative sleep technologies, surgical interventions, or sleep apnea testing in San Antonio, we are committed to guiding you toward long-term wellness. Contact us today to schedule your personalized sleep evaluation.

FAQ

How do I know if I should have a sleep study?

If you experience chronic snoring, frequent nighttime awakenings, morning headaches, or excessive daytime fatigue, a sleep study may be recommended. These symptoms can signal underlying sleep apnea or another sleep disorder that affects your breathing and sleep quality. San Antonio ENT specialists can evaluate your symptoms and determine whether a sleep study is the right next step.

What should I expect during a sleep study?

A sleep study is a painless, overnight procedure typically performed in a comfortable, monitored environment. Small sensors are attached to measure your breathing, heart rate, oxygen levels, and brain activity while you sleep. The results help our specialists diagnose the cause of your sleep issues and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Can children have sleep apnea or sleep disorders?

Yes. Children can experience sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, often due to enlarged tonsils, adenoids, or structural issues in the airway. Symptoms may include loud snoring, restless sleep, bedwetting, or daytime behavioral issues. Our ENT specialists are experienced in diagnosing and treating pediatric sleep disorders to help children achieve better rest and development.

What happens if sleep apnea goes untreated?

Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health complications, including high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cognitive decline. It can also affect mood, energy, and concentration. Seeking timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent these long-term health risks and improve your overall quality of life.

Are there alternatives if I can’t tolerate a CPAP machine?

Yes. For patients who find CPAP devices uncomfortable, other options are available, such as oral appliance therapy, positional therapy, or minimally invasive surgical procedures. Our specialists will review your anatomy, sleep study results, and personal comfort preferences to find the most effective solution for your condition.