Adult Snoring/Sleep Apnea
Adult Snoring/Sleep Apnea Services
At Spokane ENT, we provide comprehensive evaluation and management of adult snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), conditions that can significantly impact sleep quality, daytime functioning, and overall health. Snoring occurs when airflow through the upper airway causes vibration of soft tissues, while obstructive sleep apnea involves repeated episodes of complete or partial airway obstruction during sleep. Our team specializes in identifying the anatomical and physiological factors contributing to these conditions and developing individualized treatment plans to improve sleep quality and reduce associated health risks.
Our evaluation process includes a detailed history to assess symptoms such as loud snoring, witnessed apneas, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating. We perform comprehensive physical examination focusing on the upper airway anatomy, including nasal passages, palate, tonsils, tongue, and neck circumference. We may utilize flexible nasopharyngoscopy to visualize the upper airway during wakefulness and assess for structural abnormalities. When indicated, we work with sleep medicine specialists who may recommend polysomnography (sleep studies) to confirm the diagnosis and assess severity. Please note that Spokane ENT does not prescribe CPAP devices or perform polysomnography (PSG) studies. These services are provided by sleep medicine specialists, and we collaborate closely with them to coordinate comprehensive care.
Our treatment approach for adult snoring and sleep apnea is tailored to each patient's specific anatomy, severity of symptoms, and preferences. For mild to moderate cases, we may recommend lifestyle modifications including weight loss, positional therapy, and avoidance of alcohol before bedtime. We offer surgical options for patients who are not candidates for or have failed CPAP therapy, including nasal surgery to improve nasal airflow, palatal procedures such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), procedures to address tongue base obstruction, and Inspire upper airway stimulation therapy — an implantable hypoglossal nerve stimulator for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP. For patients with severe OSA who require CPAP therapy, we work closely with sleep medicine specialists to ensure appropriate device prescription and ongoing management. Our goal is to provide effective treatment options that improve sleep quality and reduce the health risks associated with untreated sleep apnea.
Inspire Sleep Apnea Therapy
For select patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea who cannot tolerate or benefit from CPAP, Spokane ENT offers Inspire therapy — an FDA-approved, implantable upper airway stimulation system. Inspire works quietly inside the body while you sleep, delivering gentle stimulation to the hypoglossal nerve to keep the airway open with each breath, all controlled through a small handheld remote. There is no mask and no hose. Our team evaluates your airway anatomy and sleep study results to determine whether Inspire is an appropriate option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Obstructive sleep apnea is often caused by relaxed throat tissues blocking the airway during sleep. Contributing factors include obesity, anatomy, and nasal obstruction. Snoring can occur with or without apnea.
Diagnosis typically involves a sleep study (polysomnography). Your ENT may also evaluate your airway, nose, and throat to identify obstruction. We work with sleep medicine specialists.
We evaluate the upper airway and may recommend treatments such as nasal surgery, tonsillectomy, or referral for CPAP or oral appliances. Treatment is tailored to your anatomy and preferences.
See an ENT if you snore loudly, have been told you stop breathing at night, or feel tired despite adequate sleep. Evaluation can determine if sleep apnea is present and what treatments may help.
Inspire is an FDA-approved, implantable treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in patients who cannot tolerate or benefit from CPAP. A small device delivers gentle stimulation to the hypoglossal nerve during sleep to keep the upper airway open, with no mask or hose. Spokane ENT evaluates candidacy based on your airway anatomy and sleep study results.