How ENT Specialists Can Help Solve Sinus and Sleep Problems
May 3, 2024
Getting Ahead of Your Health: How ENT Specialists Can Help Solve Sinus and Sleep Problems
Summer brings sunshine and warm weather – but for many people, winter cold symptoms may linger or allergies might be flaring up. Finding real, long-lasting relief may be easier to get than you think when you consult a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the ear, nose and throat. ENT physicians (otolaryngologists) have a range of specializations that allows them to treat conditions and disorders of the head and neck regions – from simple to severe.
Plus, ENT physicians don’t just deal with nasal and sinus issues. Many other common health complaints can be connected back to an ear, nose or throat problem. Whether it’s disrupted sleep, hearing and balance deficiencies or chronic ear infections, an ENT physician can help solve the problem and get you or a loved one back to a good quality of life.
For over 20 years, patients have turned to ENT Professional Services, P.C. located on Dexter Court in Davenport. This team of specialists utilizes the most-up-to-date treatments and technologies to diagnose and treat disorders of the ear, nose and throat. Led by Dr. Michael Tomek and Dr. Jay Burmeister, the team is supported by certified physician assistants, audiologists and allergists to provide comprehensive care.
When surgery is needed, the team at ENT Professional Services mostly works with Mississippi Valley Surgery Center (MVSC), the area’s largest outpatient surgery center, also located in Davenport. Advances to surgical and recovery care have allowed most of the ENT surgeries to be handled as outpatient, same-day procedures.
Tonsils and Tubes
The most common ENT procedures deal with infections in the ears and throat that can lead to other problems and discomfort for the patient. Myringotomy, known as ear tube surgery, is a procedure in which a small tube is inserted into the eardrum tissue. This is used mostly in children who have chronic ear infections caused by a buildup of fluid in the ear. If left untreated, it can lead to delays in speech development or hearing problems down the road.
Tonsillectomy is also a common procedure most often performed on children. While tonsils and adenoids work together to fight off illness in the body, they can also lead to their own problems. Swollen tonsils can become infected, leading to chronic sore throats, fever and trouble sleeping. An ENT physician may recommend removal of the tonsils and/or adenoids to relieve symptoms and help the patient feel better in the long run. This is also an outpatient procedure that allows the patient to recover at home with the help of a parent or caregiver.
Nose and Sinuses
A stuffy nose can be caused by a simple cold. But in some cases, patients who deal with it more often than others could have a structural abnormality or another obstruction that could impact breathing.
These problems can be diagnosed with a nasal endoscopy. Using a long tube equipped with a light and camera, a doctor can view the inside of the nasal cavity and sinus region. The doctor may find one or more reasons causing the problem, including things like a deviated septum. That’s when the partition between nostrils known as the septum can be crooked or bent – either naturally or because of an injury. It can be corrected with a surgical procedure called septoplasty. Many patients will have a septoplasty, along with other interventions like removing growths (polyps) or swollen tissues (turbinates) that could be interfering with normal breathing.
For most, there is a minimal chance of the problems recurring, and about 80 percent of patients will report significant improvements in their quality of life.
Sleeping and Snoring
Nearly half of all adults snore when they sleep. But snoring that disrupts your sleep (or your partner’s!) may indicate a more serious breathing problem called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A patient with OSA will have multiple episodes where they will stop breathing for ten seconds or more in their sleep. At best, it leads to a crummy night’s sleep. But at worst, OSA increases the risk for heart attack and stroke, among other health problems.
Snorers with any of the following symptoms should be evaluated for possible OSA:
- Witnessed episodes of breath pauses or apnea during sleep
- Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- History of a stroke
While OSA treatment depends on the diagnosis and levels of upper airway narrowing, there are various options available. While many patients may find relief after weight loss or with the help of a CPAP machine, some patients may require surgery.