Sleep apnea often conjures up a picture of someone snoring so loudly with their sleep partner covering their ears with a pillow. But it’s so much more than that. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious or potentially life-threatening complications, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart attack, and sudden death.
If you suspect that you have sleep apnea, the best course of action is to discuss your concerns with your primary care physician (PCP). Sleep apnea has three different types as well as various potential causes and risk factors. Your PCP will work to identify the type that you have, pinpoint the cause, and provide or recommend suitable treatment.
If your sleep apnea is caused by nasal congestion, your PCP will likely prescribe medications or other types of treatments to address it. If your PCP determines that fat deposits around your upper airway are the most likely culprit, they will make dietary and lifestyle recommendations to help you lose weight. However, if your PCP identifies that your condition requires specialized care, they will give you a referral to any of the following sleep experts.
Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Doctor
Also known as an otolaryngologist, an ENT doctor specializes in the treatment of the full range of conditions involving the structures within your head and neck. They will perform a thorough evaluation to identify any potential problem in your nasal passages or throat that could be causing your sleep apnea.
Depending on its cause and severity, your ENT doctor may recommend a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device, which you will wear as a nasal or facial mask to keep your airways open while you breathe, or surgery to address the airway blockage altogether.
Neurologist
While sleep apnea is primarily a breathing issue, your PCP may refer you to a neurologist to rule out or confirm central sleep apnea (a type of sleep apnea that occurs when your brain fails to send proper signals to your muscles that control your breathing); or a neurological disorder associated with sleep apnea (e.g., stroke).
Studies have established the prevalence of sleep apnea among stroke patients. It can predate stroke and, according to the National Stroke Foundation, can also be an effect of stroke
A neurologist has advanced knowledge of brain function and anatomy. They will likely order a sleep study to record your brain and body activity during your sleep and recommend appropriate treatment to address CSA and reduce your risk of developing a stroke.
Pulmonologist
You may be referred to a pulmonologist if you have a respiratory condition that causes upper airway inflammation, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
A pulmonologist can recommend advanced treatments to help manage your condition, facilitate normal breathing, and prevent future episodes of sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Doctors in Sarasota and Bradenton, FL
At Intercoastal Medical Group, we offer primary care services, through which we provide prompt, high-quality treatment and easy referrals, should you need specialized care for your sleep apnea. We also have highly qualified ENT doctors, pulmonologists, and neurologists on our team who have established a solid reputation for delivering exceptional treatment outcomes.
To arrange a consultation with one of our primary care physicians, give our staff a call today at our location nearest you. You may also fill out this secure form and we will contact you as soon as possible to schedule your appointment.
