How is Sleep Apnea Treated?: Houston Sinus Surgery: Ear, Nose & Throat Doctors

What is sleep apnea?

This serious disorder is characterized by repeated pauses in your breathing as you sleep. Each pause in breathing – which is called an apnea – can occur 30 or more times an hour. This causes a significant disruption to your natural sleep rhythm and can cause you to repeatedly move out of a deep sleep and into lighter sleep.

Due to the constant interruption in breathing, people who have this disorder spend more time in light sleep and less in the deeper, restorative sleep that’s needed in order to feel well-rested. In addition to causing possible dangers with driving and in the workplace, this poor sleep quality can have a serious negative effect on your overall health. If left untreated, the condition can lead to a number of chronic health problems and other risks, including high blood pressure and depression.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

Symptoms include:

Excessive sleepiness or lack of energy throughout the day, despite spending hours in bed

Loud snoring

Morning headaches

Waking up to the sensation of choking or gasping

Restless waking or insomnia

Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat

Memory loss

Trouble concentrating

Irritability, depression, and mood swings

How can sleep apnea be treated?

In some cases, symptoms can be improved with simple lifestyle changes that include:

Sleeping on your side to prevent blocking the airway

Losing weight, which can open up the throat and improve symptoms

Stopping smoking, since it can contribute to increased inflammation and fluid retention

Avoiding alcohol and sedatives, which can relax the throat and make airway obstruction worse

Non-invasive treatments may also be prescribed, and they include:

CPAP and APAP: The most common treatments for moderate to severe versions of the condition are a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine or an Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP) device. Both keep your airway open during sleep by utilizing pressurized air that goes into your throat. CPAP delivers a steady stream or air, while APAP senses changes in your breathing and automatically adjusts the air pressure.

Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT): These custom-made mouthpieces gently coax the lower jaw forward while stabilizing the tongue, effectively opening up the airway and reducing the chances that your tongue will obstruct it.

In more severe cases that don’t respond well to lifestyle changes and non-invasive treatments, surgery may be the best option. Depending on the exact issue that’s causing your sleep apnea, surgery may involve removing the tonsils, adenoids, or excess tissue at the back of the throat or inside the nose.

Many of these procedures can be performed using new technology and surgical techniques that reduce downtime and start quickly providing relief. These include functional endoscopic sinus surgery, which removes tissue that prevents the normal drainage of mucus through the sinuses, opening up the passages for easier breathing.

Where can I find the best sleep apnea treatment in Houston?

Dr. Yeung is an ear, nose, and throat specialist with more than 20 years of experience and an excellent reputation for the highest level of professionalism and expertise.

In fact, Dr. Yeung pioneered functional endoscopic sinus surgery in Houston and has performed more than 4,000 surgeries with exceptional results. He’s known for his meticulous surgical techniques and technical precision and is well respected among his peers.

If you have sleep apnea, contact the Yeung Institute today. Dr. Yeung will conduct a thorough examination and talk with you about your medical history in order to devise an effective, long-lasting treatment plan.

If you have a sinus headache, get an accurate diagnosis fast with a CT scan. Book an appointment online or over the phone wit

CT Scans Offer Quick Diagnosis for Speedy Treatment of Sinus Headaches

Do you have pain or pressure on your cheeks or forehead? Do you feel worse when you lie down or bend over? You could have a sinus headache. A CT scan can easily diagnose sinus or nasal issues so you can find relief fast.

How Long Is Sinus Surgery Recovery?

Are you having chronic sinus problems that interfere with your life? Several surgical solutions can provide relief, and some are less invasive than others. We can guide you through the process to help you understand your options.

Questions to Ask When Selecting the Best Surgeon for Your Sinus Surgery

Are you considering surgery for relief from the persistent congestion, painful headaches, and sleepless nights that often accompany sinus problems? Find out about selecting the best surgeon for the job and why it matters.

5 Signs You May Have a Deviated Septum and What Can be Done About it

Having problems with frequent nosebleeds? It could be because your nose is out of shape. Learn what a deviated nasal septum is, how to know if you have one, and what we can do about it.

Nasal Polyps, FESS, Houston Sinus Surgery

Nasal Polyps: What You Should Know About Them

Lots of adults have nasal polyps, and if they're small, you might not even notice them. But if they're large or numerous, they can cause some serious issues. Knowing the symptoms to look out for is important for making sure you get appropriate care.

Houston Sinus Surgery, active infection, sinus infection

Is That Constant Sniffling a Cold or Sinus Infection?

When you’re constantly sniffling or feeling stuffed up, you may have more than a cold. Learn more about the signs and symptoms of a cold and how they differ from a sinus infection.