Have you ever gotten up at night choking? Or too tired, even when you feel that you had a whole night’s sleep? You might be more than returning home with a sore throat, sleep-deprived and stuck in a fog. Snoring and sleep apnea are common conditions that can impact your health in ways you may not even be aware of.
Bad news: you don’t have to put up with it. The authorised ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) specialist in Petaling Jaya (PJ) can help you sleep and live better.
What are the usual Sleep Problems?
- Snoring: Much more than a nuisance. It can typically indicate an obstruction or constriction of your airway.
- Sleep Apnea: You experience either a lack of breathing or breathing very shallowly. It may result in sleepiness during the day, headache, lack of concentration, and such long-term effects as blood pressure rise, cardiac disease, and stroke.
Signs to watch for:
- Loud, frequent snoring
- Waking up choking or gasping
- Early-morning headaches or dry mouth.
- Drowsiness and lack of concentration.
- Your partner notices that you fall out of breath while sleeping.
If these sound familiar, then it is time to check them.
Why Untreated Snoring is an Issue.
Occasional snoring is ordinary. But regular snoring can:
- Decrease in restorative and deep sleep.
- Lower your energy and mood.
- Influence performance and relationships at work.
- Signal sleep apnea–with grave health consequences.
Home remedies (additional pillows, mouth strips) are not the solution to the cause. In case you are still exhausted, it is time to have a proper examination from a specialist.
The role of ENT Specialists in PJ.
ENT doctors are concerned with your nose, throat, and airway. These are the locations that produce snoring and sleep apnea. They will:
- Assess symptoms and medical history.
- Examine your nose/throat (have a deviated septum, large tonsils/adenoids, allergies to the nose)
- Order tests when necessary (e.g. sleep study)
- Design an individual treatment plan for yourself
Common Treatments
CPAP Therapy
A small machine that forces soft air into a mask to make sure your airways stay open during sleep. It is among the best treatments for sleep apnea.
Lifestyle & Medication
- Weight management
- Do not take alcohol at bedtime.
- Address nasal allergies (e.g., sprays given by the doctors)
- Enhance sleeping position and habit.
Surgical/Procedures (in case of a blockage)
- Removal of tonsils/adenoids in case of their enlargement.
- Septoplasty of a deviated septum.
- UPPP (Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty) to open the back of the throat in a few cases.
Your ENT will propose the least invasive, most effective first.
When and how do you need to visit an ENT in PJ?
- You snore loudly most nights.
- You either wake up choking, gasping or with headaches.
- Even if you sleep, you are still sick and tired.
- Your partner becomes aware that the breathing pauses.
- Home remedies haven’t worked.
Severe complications can be avoided with an early diagnosis, and you will feel better again.
The Bottom Line
Better sleep today means:
- More energy and better focus
- Better mood and relationships.
- Lower long-term health risks
If you are in Petaling Jaya and experiencing snoring or suspect you have sleep apnea, consider scheduling an appointment with our ENT specialist. A simple check would be the initial step towards reducing nighttime noises and increasing daylight.
FAQ
If your snoring is very loud, occurs daily at night, and still has not improved even by making simple changes, then see an ENT. Immediately visit an ENT in case your partner notices that you choke, stop breathing, or gasp during sleep, or you feel exhausted daily.
Snoring is regularly caused by a blockage of your nose or your throat. This may be because of a deviated septum (crooked structure of the nose), big tonsils or adenoids and additional loose tissue in the back of your throat. An ENT will find a specific part which is blocked.
To begin with, the ENT doctor in PJ will examine the inner part of your nose and throat using a tiny camera (endoscopy). If they suspect you have a severe problem, such as Sleep Apnea, they will schedule a Sleep Study. This test, which controls breathing, oxygen levels, and overnight sleep, is usually conducted at home to determine the severity of the problem.
In addition to the CPAP machine, an ENT can provide minor surgery to correct obstructions by straightening the nose or removing/tightening throat tissue. They also recommend a tailor-made mouth guard or lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and sleeping on your side.
When your breathing ceases repeatedly with OSA, it strains your heart and your body. The untreated OSA puts you at a significant risk of developing high blood pressure, a heart attack, and stroke. Treatment is crucial for maintaining your health and enhancing your energy levels throughout the day.
Comments are closed