Sleep Apnea Doctor in Livonia MI
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that is characterize by 10 to 30 second interruptions in breathing when sleeping that usually happens a few times to up to a few hundred times throughout the patient’s sleep cycle.
The short interruptions in breathing may mean decreased oxygen supply for the whole body, including the brain as you sleep, as well as lack of quality sleep that is required for the body to repair and energize, resulting to fatigue throughout the day.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Commonly, the patient would wake up several times during the night when their breathing is obstructed, which interrupts their normal sleep cycle. However, they will rarely remember being woken by their condition, so for most patients with sleep apnea, the symptoms they are aware of can be fatigue, irritability and increased sleepiness throughout the day.
An ENT specialist would advise sleep partners of patients to be observant so they can notice the night symptoms when the patient is asleep. The symptoms include long intervals between breathing and loud snoring.
Common Causes of Sleep Apnea
There are two kinds of sleep apnea; an ENT specialist can treat the more common kind, which is called the Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This is the condition when a physical blockage obstructs the air pathway to the trachea to the lungs. The blockage can be the patient’s own tongue, tonsils or uvula. Commonly, an accumulation of fatty tissue on the throat or the relaxation of throat muscles causes an airway obstruction during sleep.
The second kind of sleep apnea, which is less common, is the Central Sleep Apnea, wherein the brain fails to signal the muscles to breath. An ENT specialist can diagnose if the cause of the sleep apnea is neurological and not a blockage. If so, a neurologist, cardiologist, and pulmonologist should work together to figure out the treatment.
Why See an ENT Specialist for Your Sleep Apnea Problem
For people suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, it is important to seek the help of an ENT specialist as soon as they discover the symptoms. Not only is snoring and gasping during the night very uncomfortable for you and your bed partner, it can also have some long term effects on your body when left untreated.
The consistent lack of quality sleep can take its toll on your work, and relationships when you find yourself constantly feeling sleepy and irritable during the day.
Furthermore, as sleep apnea worsens, you may find yourself consciously waking up and gasping for air several times during the night. The prolonged lack of oxygen during sleep can eventually lead to serious cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack of stroke.
Your Trusted Sleep Apnea Doctor in Livonia Michigan
The Center for Ear, Nose & Throat, P.C. has the best in-house sleep apnea doctor in Livonia Michigan. Dr. Steven Kin, your premier ENT Specialist in West Bloomfield, is a multi-awarded and highly experienced ENT specialist, who is knowledgeable and skilled in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea.
Get the best care and treatment for your sleep apnea from the best ENT Specialist in Livonia MI. Contact us now to schedule a same-day appointment.
