FAQs About Sleep Apnea

FAQs About Sleep Apnea

How your ENT specialist in Erie, PA, can help you get relief from sleep apnea

If you wake up in the morning, feeling like you haven’t slept all night, you could be suffering from a treatable condition known as sleep apnea. Your ear, nose, and throat specialist can help. The ENT specialists at Ear Nose Throat & Allergy Specialists Of Northwestern Pennsylvania in Erie, PA, offer a wide range of ENT services, including diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea.

If you think you might be suffering from sleep apnea, you probably have a few questions. These are just a few frequently asked questions and answers about sleep apnea:

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder. When you have sleep apnea, it means the tissue at the back of your throat relaxes while you sleep. This tissue can block your airway, leading to episodes of oxygen deprivation.

Is sleep apnea dangerous?

The oxygen deprivation caused by sleep apnea can have dramatic effects on your body over time. In addition to potentially shortening your lifespan, sleep apnea can increase your risk of:

  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Memory impairment

What are the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea?

One of the most noticeable signs of sleep apnea is frequent, loud snoring. You may also have sleep apnea if you experience:

  • Morning headaches
  • Morning sore throats
  • Suddenly waking up gasping or choking
  • Feeling groggy or sleepy during the day
  • Difficulty concentrating and focusing

How is sleep apnea treated?

Sleep apnea can be effectively treated by your ENT specialist, who may recommend:

A CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) machine, is a device that provides a continuous flow of oxygen while you sleep. The device is connected to tubing and a nosepiece. You breathe air through the nosepiece during the night.

New Inspire Treatment, If you are unable to tolerate CPAP, this procedure places a small implant that is used to help keep the airway open during sleep.

These are just a few frequently asked questions and answers about sleep apnea. To find out more about the signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of sleep apnea, call the ENT specialists at Ear Nose Throat & Allergy Specialists Of Northwestern Pennsylvania in Erie, PA. You can reach them in the office by calling (814) 864-9994, so call now.

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