Sleep Apnea

& Snoring

Loud snoring is not always “harmless.” If accompanied by breathing pauses, gasping or coughing during sleep, or excessive daytime sleepiness, it may indicate Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Proper diagnosis is achieved through targeted clinical evaluation and a sleep study, with treatment tailored specifically to your needs.

Nasal Congestion
Snoring
Headache
Nasal Discharge
Shortness of Breath
Nosebleed
Definition

What is Snoring?

The sound caused by vibrations of soft tissues (soft palate/uvula, tongue, lateral pharyngeal walls) due to the narrowing of the airway during sleep.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Repeated episodes of partial or complete upper airway obstruction during sleep, which can lead to drops in oxygen levels and micro-arousals.

Causes

1
Nasal Obstruction
Deviated septum, turbinate hypertrophy, allergic rhinitis
2
Soft Palate / Uvula
Tissue laxity or hypertrophy
3
Tonsillar Hypertrophy
Less common in adults, but significant when present
4
Narrow Pharynx
Tongue base hypertrophy or anatomical narrowing
5
Lifestyle Factors
Weight gain, alcohol, sedatives, smoking
6
Anatomical Characteristics
Skeletal peculiarities (e.g., micrognathia)
Clinical Picture

What are the symptoms?

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Loud, daily snoring (especially in the supine position)
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Breathing pauses observed by a partner during sleep
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Choking/gasping and restless sleep throughout the night
✓
Morning headache, dry mouth, and “brain fog”
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Frequent nighttime urination (nocturia)
✓
Daytime sleepiness and impaired concentration/memory
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Irritability and decreased libido
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Hypertension (especially hard-to-regulate blood pressure)

Clinical Evaluation

Diagnosis & Treatment Path

DIAGNOSIS & EXAMINATION

What do we do at the clinic?

The diagnostic approach is personalized and includes:

  • 1. Medical History: Evaluation of sleepiness and sleep quality.
  • 2. ENT Examination: Endoscopy of the nose, pharynx, and larynx.
  • 3. Risk Factors: Assessment of weight and blood pressure.
  • 4. Sleep Study: Home testing or polysomnography.
  • 5. DISE: Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy for obstruction site.
INDICATIONS FOR TREATMENT

When is treatment required?

Intervention is considered necessary when:

  • Evidence of apnea / hypopnea (or strong suspicion).
  • When daily snoring impacts quality of life or relationships.
  • Presence of daytime fatigue or comorbidities like hypertension.
  • When significant oxygen desaturations are observed.
Treatment Options

How is it treated?

CONSERVATIVE APPROACH

1. Lifestyle Changes

  • Weight loss (critical contribution)
  • Avoiding alcohol before sleep
  • Position Therapy (side sleeping)
  • Breathing regulation (rinses/sprays)

2. Mechanical Support

  • CPAP: The “gold standard” for apnea
  • Oral Appliances (MAD): Advancement devices
INVASIVE TREATMENT

3. Nasal Obstruction Therapy

Improves snoring and CPAP tolerance through septum and turbinate correction.

4. Targeted Surgery

Based on DISE mapping:

  • Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)
  • Tonsillectomy / Tonsillotomy
  • Tongue base & hypopharynx interventions

GOAL: Opening the airway where it actually narrows.

Benefits of Proper Treatment
✓
Better & deeper sleep
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Reduced snoring & a quieter partner
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Reduction in sleepiness and fatigue
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Improved blood pressure & cardiovascular health

ENT Clinic – 16 Kapetan Chrona St., Neo Psychiko


Book Your Appointment Now

+30 6931 045 380
contact@festas-orl.gr
16 Kapetan Chrona St.