Sleep Apnea

Oasis Ear, Nose, and Throat

Ear, Nose & Throat Doctors & Allergists located in Surprise, AZ

If you struggle to breathe at night, you might not even realize it. Secondary symptoms of sleep apnea like morning headaches and daytime fatigue might indicate that you need treatment for sleep apnea. At Oasis Ear, Nose, and Throat in Surprise, Arizona, their team of specialists treats sleep apnea to improve your nighttime breathing and quality of rest. To learn more about sleep apnea and available treatments, call Oasis Ear, Nose, and Throat or book an appointment online today.

Sleep Apnea Q & A

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition that affects the way you breathe while you sleep. Prolonged untreated sleep apnea can have serious effects on your well-being because your brain might not get the oxygen it needs while you sleep. The disorder also causes you to lose sleep or get inadequate sleep, leaving you exhausted and depleted.

At Oasis Ear, Nose, and Throat, the team diagnoses the two main types of sleep apnea and works with you to find a fitting, lasting solution. You might have:

Obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea happens because the tissues of your throat restrict your airway when you relax. This is the most common form of sleep apnea. 

Central sleep apnea

Central sleep apnea has the same effect as obstructive sleep apnea, but your breathing difficulties aren’t due to any obstruction. Instead, your brain fails to send signals to your muscles to keep breathing.

The third form of sleep apnea, called complex sleep apnea syndrome, is a combination of the two.

How can I tell if I have sleep apnea?

Both types of sleep apnea result in similar signs and symptoms. While you might not be able to detect your breathing problems without a recording, sleep apnea presents with irregular breathing, paused breathing, and gasping for air while you sleep. 

Other symptoms and complications of sleep apnea include:

  • Loud snoring
  • Morning headaches
  • Morning dry mouth
  • Fatigue throughout the day
  • Irritability
  • Memory and concentration problems

You should contact Oasis Ear, Nose, and Throat for an evaluation if you experience symptoms like these. Treating your sleep apnea can help you get better sleep and perform tasks like driving or operating heavy machinery more safely. 

Which treatments are available for sleep apnea?

The team at Oasis Ear, Nose, and Throat improves your sleep with advanced, research-based sleep apnea treatments. You might need to try more than one treatment before finding one that works well in your case. Options for sleep apnea treatment include:

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)

CPAP is a popular treatment for sleep apnea. You wear a device over your nose and mouth as you sleep that emits a steady stream of air pressure into your airway. The air pressure holds your airway open. 

Oral appliances

Oral appliances are another option for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. A custom oral device can hold your lower jaw forward as you sleep to keep your airway free of obstruction.

Surgery

If conservative measures can’t treat your sleep apnea, the team might recommend tissue removal, jaw repositioning, or another surgery to improve your nighttime breathing. 

Weight loss, smoking cessation, and treatment for underlying conditions worsening your sleep apnea can also help reduce your symptoms and improve breathing at night. 

Book an appointment by phone or online today at Oasis Ear, Nose, and Throat for effective sleep apnea treatment.