Should you consult an ENT doctor for snoring and sleep apnea? Snoring may be a common nuisance, but when it becomes chronic or severe, it can signal a more serious condition—obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). For New Yorkers navigating the hustle and bustle of city life, persistent snoring or poor-quality sleep shouldn’t be ignored. If you or your partner notice disrupted sleep, loud snoring, or excessive daytime fatigue, it may be time to consult an ENT specialist. Dr. Michael Burnett of Ear, Nose & Throat of New York offers expert care for sleep-disordered breathing conditions, helping NYC patients breathe and sleep better.
Understanding Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Snoring occurs when air flows past relaxed tissues in the throat, causing vibrations during breathing. While occasional snoring is usually harmless, it can become problematic when it disrupts sleep or indicates a blocked airway. Sleep apnea, on the other hand, is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during the night.
Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Choking or gasping for air during sleep
- Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability or mood swings
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
When to See an ENT for Snoring and Sleep Apnea
While snoring is often first noticed by a partner or roommate, many people don’t realize how disruptive their sleep habits have become until symptoms progress. You should consider seeing an ENT like Dr. Burnett if:
- You snore loudly on most nights
- You wake up choking, coughing, or gasping
- Your sleep is non-refreshing despite a full night in bed
- You fall asleep easily during the day, especially in passive activities like watching TV or driving
- You have a history of sinus or nasal issues that could be contributing to airflow obstruction
ENT doctors are uniquely trained to evaluate structural causes of snoring and sleep apnea in the nasal passages, throat, and airway.
What to Expect During Your ENT Evaluation
Dr. Burnett and his team at Ear, Nose & Throat of New York will begin with a comprehensive medical history and physical examination of your airways. Depending on your symptoms, further testing may include:
- Nasal endoscopy: A tiny camera evaluates blockages in the nasal cavity or sinuses.
- Imaging scans: CT scans may be used to examine the anatomy of the nose, throat, or jaw.
- Sleep study (polysomnography): An overnight sleep test—done at home or in a lab—to diagnose the severity of sleep apnea.
Once diagnosed, your ENT will tailor a treatment plan based on the root cause and severity of your condition.
Treatment Options for Snoring and Sleep Apnea
ENT specialists offer a range of non-surgical and surgical options to treat snoring and sleep apnea:
- Lifestyle modifications: Losing weight, avoiding alcohol before bed, and sleeping on your side can help reduce snoring.
- Nasal treatments: For patients with chronic congestion or a deviated septum, treating the nasal passages may improve airflow.
- CPAP therapy: A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure device keeps airways open during sleep and is highly effective for moderate to severe sleep apnea.
- Oral appliances: Custom-fit mouthpieces reposition the jaw and tongue to keep airways open.
- Minimally invasive procedures: Balloon sinuplasty or nasal turbinate reduction may help reduce nasal obstruction.
- Surgical interventions: For more severe anatomical issues, procedures such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) or tongue base reduction may be considered.
Dr. Burnett evaluates each patient holistically to determine the best treatment path with the least disruption to lifestyle and maximum improvement in sleep quality.
Why New Yorkers Shouldn’t Delay Sleep Apnea Care
Living in New York means juggling demanding schedules, long commutes, and high stress levels. Poor sleep only makes those challenges harder. If your snoring or fatigue is affecting your work, relationships, or safety, now is the time to take action. Early diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea can dramatically improve your energy, mood, cardiovascular health, and overall quality of life.
Get Relief from Snoring and Sleep Apnea in NYC
If you or a loved one suffers from chronic snoring or symptoms of sleep apnea, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Michael Burnett at Ear, Nose & Throat of New York. As a top ENT in NYC, Dr. Burnett uses the most advanced diagnostic tools and treatment techniques to help you sleep better and breathe easier.
Contact us today to book 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/
Breathe better. Sleep deeper. Live healthier—with expert ENT care right in the heart of NYC.
