Understanding Sleep Apnea: How Your ENT Specialist Can Help You Breathe — and Sleep Better

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the airway becomes blocked — often by relaxed throat muscles, enlarged tonsils, or structural issues in the nose or throat.

Common symptoms include:

• Loud or chronic snoring
• Pauses in breathing during sleep
• Gasping or choking at night
• Morning headaches
• Daytime sleepiness or trouble concentrating
• Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking

If these symptoms sound familiar, an ENT evaluation may be the key to understanding the root cause.

Why See an ENT for Sleep Apnea?

ENT specialists (otolaryngologists) are uniquely trained to evaluate the entire airway — from the nose and sinuses to the throat, tonsils, and voice box. Because most cases of sleep apnea involve physical airway obstruction, an ENT is well-positioned to:

• Identify structural issues, such as a deviated septum, enlarged tonsils, or nasal obstruction
• Perform a comprehensive airway exam
• Recommend advanced diagnostic testing, including sleep studies
• Offer medical or surgical treatment options

Diagnosis: Taking the First Step Toward Better Sleep

We start with a detailed consultation and examination of your airway. Depending on your symptoms, we may recommend:

• A home sleep study for convenient overnight monitoring
• In-office endoscopic evaluation to assess airway anatomy
• Collaboration with sleep medicine specialists when needed

Early diagnosis is crucial — untreated sleep apnea has been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and increased risk of motor-vehicle accidents.

Treatment Options We Offer

Every patient’s situation is unique. Depending on your diagnosis, your ENT specialist may recommend:

1. Lifestyle & Non-Surgical Treatments

• Weight management guidance
• Positional therapy during sleep
• Nasal sprays or allergy management
• CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy — the gold standard for many patients

2. Custom Oral Appliances

For patients who cannot tolerate CPAP, oral appliances can reposition the jaw and reduce airway collapse.

3. Surgical Solutions

If structural blockages are contributing to your sleep apnea, surgery may provide long-term relief. Options may include:

• Septoplasty (to correct a deviated septum)
• Tonsillectomy / adenoidectomy
• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)
• Nasal valve repair
• Minimally invasive procedures for snoring and airway narrowing

Why Treating Sleep Apnea Matters

Sleep apnea is more than just snoring. Left untreated, it can increase your risk for:

• High blood pressure
• Heart rhythm disorders
• Stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• Chronic fatigue and mood changes

Restful sleep is essential for healing, immune function, and daily performance — and treatment can dramatically improve your quality of life.

Take the Next Step Toward Better Sleep

If you or a loved one suspects sleep apnea, our ENT team is here to help. With comprehensive diagnostic tools and a full range of treatment options, we’re committed to helping you breathe easier and sleep better.

Call us today at 954-942-6868 or visit our site at DrLapco.com for more information.