What is the role of an ENT doctor in diagnosing sleep apnea? Sleep apnea is a common yet often undiagnosed sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, it can lead to serious health problems if left untreated — including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and chronic fatigue. While many people associate sleep apnea treatment with sleep specialists, Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) doctors play a vital role in diagnosing and managing this condition, especially when structural abnormalities contribute to airway obstruction.
Dr. Michael Burnett, a leading ENT specialist in New York City, works closely with patients to identify the root causes of sleep apnea and develop effective, personalized treatment plans. In this guide, we’ll explore how ENTs contribute to diagnosing sleep apnea and how their expertise can help you breathe easier — and sleep better.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. There are three main types:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common form, caused by a physical blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue at the back of the throat collapses during sleep.
- Central Sleep Apnea: Occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
- Complex (Mixed) Sleep Apnea: A combination of both obstructive and central types.
Symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Loud snoring
- Gasping for air during sleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
The ENT’s Role in Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
ENT specialists are uniquely qualified to evaluate the anatomical causes of sleep apnea. They have a deep understanding of the upper airway, including the nose, sinuses, throat, and soft tissues — all of which can impact breathing during sleep. Here’s how an ENT like Dr. Michael Burnett contributes to the diagnosis process:
1. Comprehensive Airway Evaluation
An ENT performs a thorough physical examination of the upper airway to look for structural abnormalities such as:
- Deviated septum
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
- Nasal polyps
- Obstructive tissues in the throat or soft palate
These obstructions can often be identified through a simple in-office exam or with tools such as a flexible nasal endoscope.
2. Identifying Underlying Conditions
ENTs also look for medical conditions that may contribute to sleep apnea, such as:
- Chronic sinusitis or nasal congestion
- Allergies causing airway inflammation
- Obesity-related airway compression
3. Sleep Study Referral and Coordination
If sleep apnea is suspected, an ENT can refer patients for a sleep study, either in a sleep lab (polysomnography) or through a home sleep test. They work in collaboration with sleep medicine physicians to interpret the results and determine the severity of the condition.
4. Personalized Treatment Planning
Once diagnosed, the ENT may recommend various treatment options depending on the cause and severity of the sleep apnea, such as:
- CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure): The most common treatment for moderate to severe OSA.
- Nasal or sinus surgery: To correct structural issues like a deviated septum or chronic sinus blockages.
- Tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy: Especially useful in children with large tonsils or adenoids causing obstruction.
- Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): Surgery to remove excess tissue from the throat to widen the airway.
- Oral appliances: In mild to moderate cases, dental devices may help reposition the jaw and tongue to maintain an open airway.
When Should You See an ENT for Sleep Apnea?
You should consult an ENT if:
- You experience frequent snoring or choking/gasping during sleep.
- You wake up feeling unrested or suffer from daytime fatigue.
- You’ve tried CPAP therapy but find it uncomfortable or ineffective.
- You suspect anatomical issues such as nasal obstruction, tonsil enlargement, or sinus problems.
An ENT can often identify solutions that improve sleep quality and overall health — particularly when structural issues are a contributing factor.
Get Expert Sleep Apnea Diagnosis and Care in NYC
If you or a loved one is struggling with symptoms of sleep apnea, expert help is available. Dr. Michael Burnett and the team at Ear, Nose & Throat of New York provide comprehensive evaluations, diagnostics, and advanced treatments for sleep apnea and other breathing-related conditions.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation:
Ear, Nose & Throat of New York
Michael C. Burnett, MD
115 East 57th Street Suite 600
New York, NY 10022
📞 212-867-4813
🌐 https://earnosethroatofnewyork.com/
Reclaim your rest, restore your energy, and breathe easier — with expert care right in the heart of NYC.
