Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment in North Richland Hills
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. These interruptions can lower oxygen levels, fragment sleep, and increase health risks such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Many people don’t realize it’s happening—yet they feel the effects every day.
North Hills ENT evaluates and treats obstructive sleep apnea for patients throughout North Richland Hills.
What is obstructive sleep apnea?
OSA occurs when the airway becomes partially or fully blocked during sleep, often due to relaxation of the throat muscles or excess tissue in the airway. When airflow stops, the brain briefly arouses the body to reopen the airway. These repeated arousals prevent deep, restorative sleep even if you don’t remember waking up.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Pauses in breathing observed by a bed partner
- Gasping or choking during the night
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating or memory issues
- Mood changes or irritability
- Dry mouth or sore throat on waking
What causes OSA?
OSA is often related to airway anatomy and may be influenced by:
- Enlarged tonsils/adenoids
- Soft palate or throat tissue collapse
- Nasal obstruction (deviated septum, enlarged turbinates)
- Allergies/chronic congestion
- Weight and neck anatomy
An ENT evaluation helps identify the upper-airway contributors that can be addressed as part of your treatment plan.
Evaluation and Diagnosis
We review sleep symptoms and examine the airway. Sleep testing (home or in-lab) is used to confirm the diagnosis and determine severity. We then use those results to recommend personalized treatment options.
Treatment Options
CPAP Therapy
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) helps keep the airway open during sleep using a mask and gentle airflow. It is the most common and effective treatment for moderate to severe OSA.
Oral Appliance Therapy for Select Patients
Custom oral devices reposition the jaw or tongue to maintain airway patency during sleep, ideal for mild-to-moderate OSA or CPAP intolerance.
Addressing Nasal Obstruction
Surgical procedures like septoplasty or turbinate reduction may improve nasal airflow, making other treatments more effective and reducing snoring.
Throat-Focused Procedures When Anatomy Contributes to Obstruction
Procedures targeting the soft palate, uvula, or tonsils may be considered to reduce tissue collapse and improve airflow during sleep.
Alternative Pathways for Patients Who Cannot Tolerate CPAP
Options such as Inspire therapy or other interventions may be considered for patients who cannot use CPAP, based on candidacy and airway anatomy.
Why Treating Sleep Apnea Matters
Untreated OSA can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, stroke, accidents due to fatigue, and cognitive and mood issues. Effective treatment can be life-changing for overall well-being.
Sleep Better with Expert ENT Care
If sleep apnea symptoms are affecting your comfort, sleep, or quality of life, call 817-859-8999 or contact North Hills ENT online to schedule an evaluation in North Richland Hills.