How does an ENT Treat Sleep Apnea?

If you snore, wake up with a headache and a dry mouth, have sleep problems, are sleepy and tired during the day, are irritable, and wake up at night gasping for air, you may have sleep apnea.

If diagnosed, you may wonder how ENT professionals treat sleep apnea. Your doctor can treat the affliction in a few different ways. 

CPAP Machine 

A CPAP machine is usually the first treatment for sleep apnea. It opens your airway at night, prevents snoring, and provides a good night’s rest.

Procedures To Remove Excess Tissue

If the CPAP machine doesn’t work, surgery is another option. Your ENT specialist can remove soft tissue in your throat, like tonsils or adenoids, that may obstruct the airway.

Other Treatments

A septoplasty will straighten the septum in your nose (known as a deviated septum). Deviated septums may cause congestion, problems with breathing, or nasal discharge.

Radiofrequency energy can also reduce the size of other tissue inside the nose called turbinates.

If you suspect you have sleep apnea and would like to know more about what treatment could work for you, click here to make an appointment today!