Sleep Apnea and Snoring Treatment at Gold Standard Sleep & ENT Clinic
Understanding Sleep Apnea and Snoring
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that affects many people. The most noticeable symptom is often loud snoring, though not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. You might experience pauses in breathing during sleep, often followed by gasping or choking sounds. Daytime symptoms include excessive sleepiness, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. Some patients report dry mouth or sore throat upon waking. In San Antonio's warm climate, you might find yourself feeling more fatigued than usual, especially during our hot summers. Sleep apnea can also exacerbate other health conditions common in our community, such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. If you or your partner notice these symptoms, it's crucial to seek evaluation, as untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health complications.
Comprehensive Diagnostic Approach for Sleep Disorders
At our office, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing sleep apnea. We start with a detailed medical history, asking about your sleep patterns, daytime symptoms, and any factors that might contribute to sleep apnea, such as obesity or family history. A physical examination follows, focusing on your throat, nose, and mouth structure. We may perform an endoscopic evaluation to visualize your upper airway. To confirm a diagnosis, we often recommend a sleep study, which can be done either in a sleep lab or, for your convenience, with a home sleep test. These tests monitor your breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and other vital signs during sleep. Our goal is to accurately diagnose the type and severity of your sleep apnea, allowing us to recommend the most effective treatment plan.
Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea and Snoring
Our treatment recommendations are tailored to the severity of your sleep apnea and your individual needs. For mild cases, we might suggest lifestyle changes such as weight loss, avoiding alcohol before bedtime, or changing sleep positions. Many patients benefit from Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, which involves wearing a mask that delivers pressurized air to keep your airway open during sleep. We offer the latest CPAP technologies and provide guidance on proper use and maintenance, especially important in San Antonio's humid climate. For those who can't tolerate CPAP, we may recommend oral appliances that reposition the jaw and tongue to maintain an open airway. In some cases, particularly when structural issues contribute to sleep apnea, we might suggest surgical options. These can include procedures to remove excess tissue in the throat or reposition the jaw. We also offer innovative treatments like Inspire therapy, an implantable device that stimulates key airway muscles during sleep.
When to Seek Treatment for Sleep Apnea
We encourage you to schedule an appointment if you or your bed partner notice loud snoring, gasping during sleep, or pauses in breathing. If you're experiencing persistent daytime sleepiness, especially if it's affecting your work or driving, it's important to seek evaluation. For those already diagnosed with sleep apnea, regular follow-ups are crucial to ensure your treatment remains effective. If you're using a CPAP machine and find it uncomfortable or notice any issues, don't hesitate to come in for adjustments. Additionally, if you've had recent weight changes or find your symptoms worsening, especially during allergy seasons or weather changes common in San Antonio, it's a good time to reassess your treatment plan. Remember, effective sleep apnea management not only improves your sleep quality but also reduces the risk of associated health problems. Our experienced ENT team is here to help you achieve restful, healthy sleep.