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ENT DOCTOR BLOG
Posts for: December, 2019
Find out the different ways to get your sleep apnea symptoms under control.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder that causes pauses in breathing while a person sleeps. This occurs when the tissues in the back of the throat collapse or relax, thus blocking the airways. This condition not only impacts the quality of sleep, but also causes low blood oxygen levels. Over time, untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems such as diabetes and heart attack. Consequently, it's important to recognize the warning signs of sleep apnea so that you can schedule an appointment with our Washington, DC, ENT specialist, Dr. William Bond, Jr.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
One of the telltale warning signs of sleep apnea is chronic, loud snoring. While not all chronic snorers have sleep apnea, the vast majority of those with sleep apnea do snore. Along with chronic snoring, you will also notice a feeling of intense and lingering exhaustion in the morning.
Furthermore, even if you do get a full night’s rest, you will often wake up groggy and sleepy which may affect your concentration/memory, lead to irritability, and might even cause you to fall asleep behind the wheel. It’s important that if you are experiencing any of these symptoms that you schedule a sleep study with your Washington, DC, ENT doctor as soon as possible.
How is sleep apnea treated?
Once you have received a diagnosis from our doctor, we will map out a treatment plan for you that will help you get your symptoms under control. The preferred method for treating sleep apnea is continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP) therapy, where a facemask is worn over the nose and/or mouth and pressurized air travels through it to keep airways open while you sleep. This device only needs to be used while you sleep.
Of course, your doctor will also discuss lifestyle changes that you can make to also alleviate symptoms. These lifestyle changes include,
- Losing excess weight
- Quitting smoking
- Avoiding alcohol and sedatives
- Change sleep positions
- Exercising regularly
Those with mild sleep apnea may benefit from wearing a custom oral appliance, which repositions the jaws to keep the airways open while sleeping. Those with milder cases may only need this device to manage their symptoms while those with more severe symptoms may find better relief through both oral appliance therapy and CPAP.
Concerned? Give us a call
If you or someone you love is living with sleep apnea in Washington, DC, call our office today at (202) 726-7770 to schedule a consultation with your ENT specialist, Dr. William Bond, Jr.
Just like breathing or blinking, swallowing is an involuntary habit that we don’t often think about; however, swallowing is an important part of everything from speaking and socializing to consuming delicious food. Unfortunately, there are disorders that can affect a person’s ability to swallow. A swallowing disorder can be uncomfortable and troublesome, and a visit to an otolaryngologist can give you the answers you’re looking for as to what’s going on.
Some people having pain when they swallow while others may have trouble swallowing certain foods or feel as if there is something stuck in their throat. As a result, they may have trouble getting the proper nutrients and calories they need. Swallowing disorders are more common as a person ages. Swallowing disorders usually fit into one of two categories: esophageal and oropharnygeal dysphagia.
Esophageal dysphagia
People who often feel like they have something in their throats are often dealing with esophageal dysphagia as a result of:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD)
- Esophageal spasms
- Achalasia (esophageal sphincter dysfunction)
- Scar tissue of the esophagus
- Tumors
- Certain medications that can cause dry mouth
Oropharnygeal dysphagia
There are certain conditions that can also affect how the muscles in the throat function, which makes it more difficult to swallow food properly. Common causes include neurological disorders, nerve damage (spinal cord or brain injuries) and cancers of the head, neck, and throat.
Along with trouble swallowing, those with swallowing disorders may also experience:
- Coughing after swallowing
- The sensation of food being stuck in the throat
- Choking
- Regurgitation
- Sore throat
- Hoarseness
- Chest discomfort
If you experience persistent issues swallowing or if you also experience vomiting, regurgitation, or unexpected weight loss along with swallowing difficulties then it’s time to see an otolaryngologist.
Diagnosing Swallowing Disorders
To determine the cause of a patient’s swallowing problems their ENT doctor will go through their medical history, ask questions about the symptoms they are experiencing and then perform a physical examination. Based on the patient’s answers, your doctor will then determine which testing is needed to make a diagnosis. Common diagnostic tests include:
- Endoscopy
- Esophageal muscle test (manometry)
- CT scan
- Dynamic swallowing study
- Barium esophagram
- 24-hour pH impedance (to evaluate acid reflux and regurgitation)
Treating Swallowing Disorders
As you can see from the list above, there are many conditions and causes that could result in swallowing disorders. Therefore, the treatment you receive will depend on the cause and severity of your symptoms. Your ENT specialist will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan to reduce symptoms. With chronic conditions, your doctor will find ways to help you manage the underlying condition to make swallowing easier.
