Sleep Apnea & Sleep Health
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Find help for sleep apnea and other sleep issues
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which your breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you’re sleeping. It’s potentially serious, and if you believe you may suffer from sleep apnea, it’s important to talk with your doctor or a sleep specialist like an E.N.T. doctor. Learn more or schedule an appointment with Light E.N.T. in Boynton Beach.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
- Loud snoring
- Gasping for air while sleeping
- Insomnia
- Daytime sleepiness
- Irritability
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs because of an obstruction to the airflow through your nose and mouth, causing you to stop and start breathing or to snore loudly. Sleep apnea is a severe obstruction of the air and it’s important to identify what is causing that blockage so that you can start breathing easily again.
In adults, there are several causes of air blockages, including:
- Poor muscle tone in the tongue and throat
- Bulky throat tissue or excess soft tissue in the neck
- A long soft palate or uvula
- Stuffy nose or sinusitis
Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea
Our E.N.T. doctors will thoroughly examine your nose, mouth, throat, palate, and neck to determine what is causing the obstruction. Sleep apnea is most commonly treated with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy or CPAP. A CPAP machine is worn while sleeping and increases the air pressure in your throat, helping your airway stay open while you breathe in. CPAP machines can be very effective, but some people have difficulty tolerating wearing a CPAP, and there are other custom-fit options.
When To Visit An E.N.T Doctor For Sleep Apnea
Loud snoring is a sign of sleep apnea, but not everyone who snores loudly has sleep apnea and not everyone who has sleep apnea snores! See your doctor if you have any of the symptoms of sleep apnea, and if your doctor believes you may have this sleep problem, they may refer you to an E.N.T. doctor or other sleep specialist. Our E.N.T. doctors will work to diagnose the cause of your sleep issues and create a treatment plan so that you can rest easy.
