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Snoring and sleep apnea can make getting a good night’s sleep — for you and your partner — quite difficult. At ENT Associates of San Diego, snoring and sleep apnea are diagnosed and treated by our highly experienced ear, nose, and throat doctors (otolaryngologists).
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is characterized by multiple episodes of interrupted breathing while sleeping. It is usually accompanied by loud snoring, disrupted sleep, and daytime drowsiness.
This condition can affect your quality of life and even cause partners to sleep in separate rooms. It is a serious disorder that results in lower amounts of oxygen in the blood, which places stress on the heart and lungs.
The cause of sleep apnea can range from your anatomy to a medical condition — anything that can block your airway while you sleep.
A few common causes include:
- Obesity
- Endocrine disorders like hypothyroidism
- Large tonsils
- Neuromuscular conditions like muscular dystrophy or stroke
- Kidney or heart failure
- Genetic conditions like cleft palate or cleft lip
- Premature birth
Is Snoring Always a Sign of Sleep Apnea?
Not in every case. Snoring should be evaluated by an otolaryngologist, who can determine the exact cause and offer treatment solutions.
Snoring not caused by sleep apnea is called primary snoring and can be the result of the following factors:
- Old age leading to relaxed throat muscles
- Throat or nose conditions like enlarged tonsils or a deviated septum (caused when the wall dividing the nose gets pushed to one side)
- Use of alcohol, muscle relaxants, or other depressants right before bedtime
- Sleep position
- Being overweight (leading to more tissue around the neck and poor muscle tone)
Some factors are out of your control, but others are in your hands. For example, you can avoid drinking alcohol before going to bed or try sleeping on the side to prevent snoring.
The snoring caused by sleep apnea has different characteristics than that of primary snoring and can have serious consequences. If you experience the following signs while sleeping, you might have sleep apnea:
- Snoring very loudly
- Taking shallow breaths
- Feeling restless
- Pausing while breathing for 10 seconds or more
- Gasping or choking
Sleep Apnea Video
How is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?
To diagnose sleep apnea, you may need to undergo sleep tests at home or a sleep center. Home sleep tests can measure heart rate, blood oxygen level, airflow, and breathing patterns. If the results are abnormal, our doctors may recommend a nocturnal polysomnography test at a sleep center.
During a nocturnal polysomnography test, the patient will be connected to equipment monitoring heart, lung, and brain activity. Breathing patterns, blood oxygen levels, and arm and leg movements will also be tracked to evaluate whether the patient has sleep apnea.
Nocturnal polysomnography equipment is a more accurate way to diagnose sleep apnea than portable devices used for home testing. This test will require an overnight stay at a sleep center.
There are also specific types of sleep apnea that are best diagnosed and treated by certain specialists. ENT doctors are recommended for obstructive sleep apnea. In some cases, sleep apnea caused by heart problems will be evaluated by a cardiologist. Central sleep apnea is a condition commonly referred to neurologists, who will assess the patient’s nervous system.
Sleep Apnea Treatments in San Diego
Mild cases of sleep apnea may only require lifestyle changes like quitting smoking or regular exercise and proper diet. There are also cases where only treatment for nasal allergies is needed.
If your symptoms are moderate to severe, however, there are various therapies and surgeries available for treatment:
CPAP Machine
A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is the most common and reliable treatment for sleep apnea patients. This includes wearing a mask with adjustable straps during sleep.
BiPAP Machine
Another device that can be recommended for treatment is a bilevel positive airway pressure, or BiPAP, device. This equipment provides more pressure when a patient inhales and less during exhale.
Alternative Non-Surgical Solutions
Other ways to help treat sleep apnea include oral appliances, supplemental oxygen, and adaptive servo-ventilation. If your sleep apnea is caused by heart or neuromuscular disorders, doctors will recommend treatment for those conditions instead.
Surgery
Surgery should be the last option when all other treatments have not worked for a patient. This may include tissue removal, tissue shrinkage, jaw repositioning, implants, nerve stimulation, and new air passageway creation.
Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment
The price of your snoring and/or sleep apnea therapy will depend on the exact causes of your condition and which treatments are necessary. Insurance coverage may also affect the total cost of care.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea FAQs
Yes, and snoring is also a common symptom. Sleep apnea in children is often caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids, obesity, or underlying health issues. Pediatric otolaryngologist Dr. Rowley S. Busino can diagnose and treat this condition in children from our La Mesa location.
The best position to sleep in is on your side, as this helps keep your airway open by preventing the tongue and soft tissues from collapsing into the throat. This will also be the case if you are using a CPAP machine to avoid leaks.
Schedule a Sleep Apnea Consultation
If you or a family member has had difficulty with snoring and sleep apnea, the ENT Associates of San Diego can help develop an individualized treatment plan to address your needs. To learn more, contact us today to schedule your informative consultation with one of our sleep apnea specialists in La Mesa, Chula Vista, or Escondido.
