Sleep Apnea & Snoring
Being able to breathe and sleep well through the night has a significant impact on the way we experience life and perform our work. The ENT specialists at Proliance South Seattle Otolaryngology treat sleep-disordered breathing, nasal and airway obstruction, snoring and sleep apnea, and more.
Snoring is extremely common. Over 45% of American adults snore occasionally, and 25% are habitual snorers. Not merely a nuisance, snoring is actually a sleep disorder that can be a sign of a serious medical condition, known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Sleep apnea is a serious medical disorder in which breathing is interrupted periodically throughout the night. These pauses in breathing may be accompanied by choking or gasps but rarely awaken the sleeping individual. It is estimated that over 18 million Americans suffer with sleep apnea, many of them unaware of their condition or uncertain on how to treat it. Untreated, sleep apnea can contribute to high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, depression, ADHD, work place and motor vehicle accidents and more. In fact, a recent study in 2019 reinforces the link with sleep apnea and Alzheimer's development.
Finally, while many patients with OSA derive subjective benefit from and adhere to treatment with CPAP, a significant proportion of patients diagnosed with OSA either do not initiate or eventually abandon CPAP therapy. The sleep apnea physicians of Proliance South Seattle Otolaryngology recognize this trend and emphasize early education and support and offer other consistent long lasting surgical alternatives to our patients. If you are concerned you may snore or have obstructive sleep apnea, you should answer our sleep apnea questionnaire for new patients and schedule an appointment with one of our physicians. A restful night sleep is within your reach.
Snoring is extremely common. Over 45% of American adults snore occasionally, and 25% are habitual snorers. Not merely a nuisance, snoring is actually a sleep disorder that can be a sign of a serious medical condition, known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Sleep apnea is a serious medical disorder in which breathing is interrupted periodically throughout the night. These pauses in breathing may be accompanied by choking or gasps but rarely awaken the sleeping individual. It is estimated that over 18 million Americans suffer with sleep apnea, many of them unaware of their condition or uncertain on how to treat it. Untreated, sleep apnea can contribute to high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, depression, ADHD, work place and motor vehicle accidents and more. In fact, a recent study in 2019 reinforces the link with sleep apnea and Alzheimer's development.
Finally, while many patients with OSA derive subjective benefit from and adhere to treatment with CPAP, a significant proportion of patients diagnosed with OSA either do not initiate or eventually abandon CPAP therapy. The sleep apnea physicians of Proliance South Seattle Otolaryngology recognize this trend and emphasize early education and support and offer other consistent long lasting surgical alternatives to our patients. If you are concerned you may snore or have obstructive sleep apnea, you should answer our sleep apnea questionnaire for new patients and schedule an appointment with one of our physicians. A restful night sleep is within your reach.
Common examples of conditions treated
Common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea
Surgical procedures for snoring and sleep apnea
The options for treatment can vary from over-the-counter throat sprays, medications, CPAP, oral appliances, as well as multiple surgical options
Tips for lessening or decreasing your snoring
- Deviated septum
- Nasal turbinate enlargment / obstruction
- Snoring / obstuctive sleep apnea
- Allergies
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea
- Gasping for breath during sleep
- Difficulty sleeping
- Hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness)
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
- Insomnia
- Hypertension
- Loss of concentration
- Memory problems
- Narcolepsy
- Restless leg syndrome
- Parasomnia - abnormal movements and behaviours during sleep
- Mood change
- Dementia / Alzheimer's disease
- Depression
Surgical procedures for snoring and sleep apnea
The options for treatment can vary from over-the-counter throat sprays, medications, CPAP, oral appliances, as well as multiple surgical options
- Tonsillectomy
- Uvulopalatopharygoplasty (UPPP).
- Nasal obstruction surgery (septalplasty, turbinate reduction, etc)
- Laser surgery to remove the uvula and excess tissue from the soft palate. (LAUP)
- INSPIRETM; Innovative hypoglossal nerve stimulation
Tips for lessening or decreasing your snoring
- Treating allergies
- Treating GERD (reflux)
- Quitting smoking
- Losing weight
- Sleeping on your side instead of on your back
- Maintaining a regular sleep routine
- Keeping yourself well hydrated
- Avoiding alcohol before going to bed
