Does snoring keep you or your partner up at night? While snoring may seem harmless, or even humorous, it can actually be a sign of a serious medical condition. Sleep apnea, a disorder that causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, can affect your rest, energy levels, and long-term health.
At Rancho Ear, Nose & Throat, we provide comprehensive sleep apnea and snoring treatment services for patients throughout Poway and the San Diego area. Our board-certified otolaryngologists, Dr. Ashish Wadhwa and Dr. Jennifer MacEwan, specialize in identifying the root causes of sleep-related breathing problems and providing personalized, effective solutions.
What Causes Snoring and Sleep Apnea?
Snoring occurs when the soft tissues in your throat vibrate as you breathe during sleep. As your body relaxes, gravity causes the palate and tongue to fall backward, narrowing the airway and creating the familiar snoring sound.
In more severe cases, these tissues collapse completely, blocking airflow for several seconds at a time. This is known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The causes can vary:
Even seemingly minor issues, like chronic congestion, can make breathing harder during sleep and contribute to snoring or apnea.
The Hidden Risks of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is more than just a nighttime nuisance; it’s a serious health condition. When breathing repeatedly stops during sleep, oxygen levels drop, forcing the body to wake briefly to resume breathing. This cycle prevents deep, restorative sleep.
Over time, untreated sleep apnea can lead to:
Signs of Sleep Apnea
Many people with sleep apnea don’t realize they have it. Common warning signs include:
If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to talk to a specialist.
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
The first step in treatment is proper diagnosis. A sleep study, performed either at home or in a sleep lab, records your oxygen levels, breathing patterns, and sleep stages. This helps determine whether snoring is simply a vibration issue or if it’s part of obstructive sleep apnea.
Once the cause is clear, your ENT specialist can recommend the best course of action to restore safe and healthy breathing.
Treatment Options for Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of your condition. At Rancho ENT, we offer both non-surgical and surgical options:
Conservative Treatments
Medical and Device-Based Options
Surgical Treatments
For patients who don’t respond to conservative therapies, surgical options may include:
Every treatment plan at Rancho ENT is customized to match your anatomy, lifestyle, and goals.
Why Choose Rancho ENT
At Rancho Ear, Nose & Throat, we believe sleep is one of the most important aspects of your health. Here’s why patients throughout San Diego trust our team:
Wake Up Rested and Recharged with Sleep Apnea Treatment in Poway, CA
Don’t let snoring or sleep apnea control your nights, or your days. The team at Rancho ENT is here to help you breathe easier, sleep soundly, and wake feeling refreshed.
Call 858-674-1165 today to schedule your sleep apnea evaluation appointment at Rancho Ear, Nose & Throat in Poway, CA, proudly serving patients throughout San Diego.
