Expert Diagnosis & Care at ENT of Georgia North
Sleep apnea is a common but potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These interruptions can cause drops in blood oxygen levels, placing stress on the cardiovascular system and increasing the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Sleep apnea also disrupts normal sleep cycles, often leading to excessive daytime fatigue, poor concentration, and reduced quality of life not just for the patient, but for their bed partner as well.
At ENT of Georgia North, Jeffrey E. Goldberg, MD and our experienced ENT team provide comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment options for sleep apnea, helping patients breathe better and sleep more soundly. Contact board-certified surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Goldberg to learn more about effective sleep apnea treatment options. To schedule a consultation at our ENT of Georgia North center in Suwanee, GA, please call (770) 495-3820 today.
Dr. Goldberg is Georgia’s first surgeon to perform the FDA-Approved Genio® Procedure.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is defined by repeated pauses in breathing that occur during sleep. These pauses can last from a few seconds to over a minute and often end with choking, gasping, or coughing as breathing resumes. Because symptoms occur while you’re asleep, many people go undiagnosed for months or even years.
Common warning signs include:
- Loud or chronic snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
If left untreated, sleep apnea can cause long-term health complications and significantly impact daily functioning.
Types of Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
The most common form of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles of the throat relax during sleep, causing the airway to narrow or collapse. This obstruction restricts airflow and often results in loud snoring. OSA is more common in individuals who are overweight, but it can affect people of all body types.
Central Sleep Apnea
Central sleep apnea is less common and occurs when the brain does not send consistent signals to the muscles that control breathing. Unlike obstructive sleep apnea, there is no physical blockage of the airway. This condition may be related to neurological disorders, heart conditions, or certain medications.
Complex (Mixed) Sleep Apnea
Some patients experience a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea. In these cases, treatment may involve addressing both the physical airway obstruction and the neurological breathing control issues.
Side Effects of Untreated Sleep Apnea
When sleep apnea goes untreated, it can lead to serious and sometimes irreversible health problems, including:
- High blood pressure and heart disease
- Increased risk of stroke
- Chronic fatigue and impaired concentration
- Mood changes and memory issues
- Higher risk of accidents due to sleep deprivation
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to protecting your long-term health.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
When sleep apnea is suspected, a physician can recommend appropriate testing and develop a treatment plan based on the type and severity of the condition.
Treatment for Mild Sleep Apnea
- Lifestyle changes, including weight loss, smoking cessation, and reducing alcohol use, can significantly improve symptoms in mild cases.
Treatment for Moderate to Severe Sleep Apnea
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
CPAP therapy uses a machine that delivers steady air pressure through a mask worn during sleep. This keeps the airway open, preventing snoring and breathing interruptions.
BiPAP (Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure)
Similar to CPAP, BiPAP automatically adjusts pressure levels for inhalation and exhalation, which can be more comfortable for some patients.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Custom oral appliances reposition the jaw and tongue to help keep the airway open. These may be effective for certain patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
Surgical Treatment Options for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
When non-surgical treatments are ineffective, surgery may be recommended to remove obstructions or correct anatomical issues affecting breathing.
Common procedures include:
- Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): Removes excess tissue from the soft palate and throat; tonsils and adenoids may also be removed
- Tonsillectomy or Adenoidectomy: Often beneficial when enlarged tonsils contribute to airway obstruction
- Nasal Surgery: Corrects structural issues such as a deviated septum or removes nasal polyps to improve airflow
- Maxillomandibular Advancement: Repositions the upper and lower jaw to enlarge the airway
- Tracheostomy: Reserved for severe cases when other treatments have failed
Treatment for Central & Complex Sleep Apnea
Management may include:
- Treating underlying medical conditions (heart or neuromuscular disorders)
- CPAP or BiPAP therapy
- Supplemental oxygen, when appropriate
- Adaptive Servo-Ventilation (ASV): A newer device that monitors breathing patterns and adjusts pressure in real time to prevent pauses in breathing
Treating Sleep Apnea in Suwanee, GA
At ENT of Georgia North, we take a comprehensive, individualized approach to sleep apnea care. From diagnosis through long-term management, our goal is to help you achieve better sleep, improved energy, and better overall health.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, don’t wait. Early treatment can prevent serious complications and dramatically improve your quality of life.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jeffrey E. Goldberg, MD, at ENT of Georgia North in Suwanee, GA to discuss sleep apnea testing and treatment options.
