Chronic snoring, disrupted sleep, and breathing issues at night can take a serious toll on your energy, focus, and long-term health. At St. Louis Sinus Center, our experienced team offers evaluation-based care for conditions like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), chronic snoring, and airway obstruction.
SLEEP & SNORING TREATMENT IN ST. LOUIS, MO
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the airway becomes blocked by relaxed tissue. Central sleep apnea (CSA) involves a disruption in the brain’s signaling to breathe, and complex sleep apnea is a combination of both types.
Common Symptoms
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Episodes of stopped breathing (often noticed by a partner)
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes or irritability
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
Women may experience subtler signs such as insomnia, fatigue, or anxiety.
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
A proper diagnosis begins with a detailed medical history and a physical evaluation. In many cases, a home or in-lab sleep study may be recommended to assess your breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and sleep quality.
Who Is at Risk?
Risk factors for sleep apnea include:
- Excess weight
- Age (risk increases over 40)
- Family history
- Alcohol or sedative use
- Nasal obstruction or anatomical issues
- Smoking
Health Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea
When left untreated, sleep apnea can contribute to serious health problems:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease and arrhythmias
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Daytime fatigue and increased accident risk
- Mood disorders
Treatment Options
Treatment is tailored to the underlying cause and severity of your condition.
Non-Surgical Options:
- CPAP Therapy: A continuous positive airway pressure device keeps the airway open during sleep.
- Oral Appliance Therapy: Custom-fit devices reposition the jaw and tongue to maintain an open airway.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Weight loss, sleep position adjustments, and avoidance of alcohol or sedatives.
Surgical or Procedural Options (when appropriate):
- Balloon Sinus Dilation: Can support nasal airflow for those with chronic congestion.
- Turbinate Reduction: Minimally invasive procedure to reduce enlarged turbinates obstructing airflow.
- Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): Reshapes soft tissue in the airway to improve breathing.
Your provider will determine which treatments are appropriate based on your evaluation, anatomy, and personal needs.
Snoring vs. Sleep Apnea
While snoring can be harmless, it may also be a sign of sleep apnea if accompanied by pauses in breathing or excessive fatigue. An ENT evaluation helps determine whether snoring is related to structural blockage, soft tissue vibration, or a more serious underlying condition.
Schedule a Consultation
If you or a loved one suffers from chronic snoring, poor sleep, or suspected sleep apnea, we’re here to help. Our team at St. Louis Sinus Center offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment in both St. Louis and Festus, MO.
Individual results may vary.
The effectiveness of treatments can differ based on individual circumstances.