Surgical intervention is another approach to sleep apnea treatment. Several surgical procedures are used to increase the size of the airway. Some of the common surgical procedures done at our center, to treat sleep disorders include

1. Removal of Adenoids and Tonsils (if enlarged), Nasal polyps or other growths by Otolaryngologist.
2. Reduction of excess tissue in the airway
3. Correction of structural abnormalities, like deviated nasal septum, Hypertrophic turbinates
4. Palatal expansion procedures are done to increase spacing for tongue and to open up nasal cavity
5. Jaw surgeries to correct smaller jaws that may be obstructing airway or contributing to Sleep Apnea

Otolaryngologist or ENT

Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when there is blockage of air, in upper airway when a person is sleeping. This could be anywhere from the nose down to the throat areas. Similarly snoring occurs in a narrowed airway, when there is collision and vibration of various anatomical structures that are present in the collapsible part of the airway.
Our ENT specialists will do a thorough examination of the nose, throat and neck using a fiberoptic scope called Nasal Endoscopy. This examination will help find the source of obstruction and also help with recommendation of the appropriate treatment. A specific type of endoscopy called the drug induced sleep endoscopy or DISE would be recommended if necessary and this will help in determining specific airway changes during sleep and help guide both medical and surgical treatments.
Common areas of airway breathing issues that our ENT specialist can identify are deviated nasal septum, enlarged nasal turbinates, polyps, enlarged adenoids and tonsils, elongated Uvula and soft palate.
Conservative, non-surgical methods, if indicated, will be suggested like treatment of allergies, nasal congestion or sinusitis or other inflammatory changes in the tissue.
As mentioned, in obstructive sleep apnea, obstruction is frequently from excessive soft tissue, so surgical options may benefit some patients with obstructive sleep apnea and our ENT specialist will guide you accordingly.
Similarly for people who are not comfortable using a CPAP or not able to breathe comfortably through the nose mask, an ENT evaluation and treatment will help correct any nasal obstructions and make it more comfortable to use a CPAP.

Other ENT services:

Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist (ENT) specialists are trained in the medical and surgical treatment of ear, nose, throat and related structures of head and neck. Following conditions will be checked and treated by our ENT specialists

1. Ear infections
2. Tinnitus (Ringing in ear)
3. Nose Congestion
4. Nasal allergies
5. Deviated Septum and enlarged turbinates
6. Nasal Polyps
7. Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids, Tonsillectomy
8. Sinus Infections
9. Throat Pain
10. Throat Infection
11. Acid Reflux