Recognizing the Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea and When to Seek ENT Care

A restful night’s sleep is vital to overall health. For many adults, however, undiagnosed sleep apnea quietly disrupts breathing during the night, leading to a range of health problems. At Southern Crescent ENT, Dr. Michael Avidano and Dr. Blanca Durand help patients in Stockbridge and Fayetteville, GA, identify and manage sleep apnea through expert evaluation and personalized care.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep due to airway obstruction or other reasons. Obstructive sleep apnea, the most prevalent type, happens when muscles in the throat relax during sleep, narrowing or closing the airway. Each episode lasts a few seconds and occurs dozens of times throughout a single night without the individual being aware.

Symptoms That Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Because many sleep apnea symptoms happen while you are asleep, they might not be recognized. There are, however, signs in the daytime and at night that all is not well. Loud, recurrent snoring may be one of the better-known symptoms. Waking with gasping or choking, headache upon waking, trouble concentrating, daytime drowsiness, and morning dry mouth are some other symptoms. If your partner sleeping next to you notices that you momentarily stop breathing when you sleep, this could be a good indication to have you medically checked.

Health Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is more than just an interruption of sleep. Unchecked, it can be a cause of the development of life-threatening illnesses like high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and increased chances of stroke. Chronic fatigue and mental impairment can also affect the workplace and interpersonal relationships. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing complications.

How Southern Crescent ENT Can Help

Dr. Avidano and Dr. Durand at Southern Crescent ENT provide comprehensive evaluations for patients experiencing sleep-related breathing problems. After reviewing your medical history and symptoms, they may recommend a sleep study to confirm a diagnosis. Examining the airway, sinuses, tonsils, or nasal passages can help determine structural causes and guide treatment planning.

Treatment may include lifestyle modifications, CPAP therapy, oral appliances, or surgical procedures to address anatomical blockages, depending on the diagnosis. ENT-directed care results in improved breathing, better sleep quality, and reduced health risks for many patients.

If you suspect sleep apnea may be affecting your health, contact Dr. Michael Avidano and Dr. Blanca Durand at Southern Crescent ENT in Stockbridge and Fayetteville, GA. Call (770) 474-7416 for our Stockbridge office or (678) 817-4390 for Fayetteville to schedule a consultation and start breathing easier.