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dx. OSA/ ENT workup
I didn't get any replies to my first question, so I thought I would simplify things.
How many folks also had an ENT work up as part of their OSA diagnosis? How important do you think it is to also explore this avenue, instead of just the sleep study like I had.
Thanks,
Mary Z.
Views: 236
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Steven Y. Park, MD on
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I'm a bit biased (being an ENT), but I think everyone with sleep apnea should undergo an ENT evaluation. By definition, if you have sleep apnea, you'll also have nasal/sinus/ear issues or throat reflux issues. Once in a while I see patients that have been on CPAP for years that have undiagnosed nasal polyps, tumors and even tongue base cysts and growths that causes obstruction. Vocal cord nodules and polyps are also very common. In general, helping you to breathe better through your nose should help you with your CPAP or oral appliance.
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Permalink Reply by Mary Z on
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Thanks Dr. Park, or Mike, Jeff, Rock, anyone, would you start with an ENT or a sleep surgeon for an evaluation.
Thanks,
Mary Z.
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Permalink Reply by RockRpsgt on
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I could be wrong, but isn't a sleep surgeon and an ENT the same thing?
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Could be, Rock. in any case I'm supposed to have another sleep study done after I see my sleep doc the end of April. I talked to an ENT and they said call and make an appointment after I had the sleep study. I asked in particular if they evaluated people with OSA. There are a whole group of doctors and he's the only ENT they recommended for this exam.
Thanks, everbody.
Mary Z.
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Permalink Reply by Judy on
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Since I have a strong natural aversion to surgery, I also have a strong natural aversion to "surgeon" so I prefer to think of ENTs as ENTs and NOT as "sleep surgeons". Besides, there are dental specialists who also do "sleep surgery". Ugh! Just the thought gives me the shutters!!! But .... there are some "sleep surgeons" out there like Dr Park I suppose .... Dr Park is the only one "I" know of that's this conscientious and caring and thorough.
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We have Dr. Thomas Spawn in Indy. His family has produced a long line of excellent ENTs. 4 generations of my family have been treated by a Dr. Spawn.
Judy said:Since I have a strong natural aversion to surgery, I also have a strong natural aversion to "surgeon" so I prefer to think of ENTs as ENTs and NOT as "sleep surgeons". Besides, there are dental specialists who also do "sleep surgery". Ugh! Just the thought gives me the shutters!!! But .... there are some "sleep surgeons" out there like Dr Park I suppose .... Dr Park is the only one "I" know of that's this conscientious and caring and thorough.
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And I sure hope that you have listed and reviewed your Dr Spawn at sleepsearch, Rock Hinkle!
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I was just thinking the same thing Judy
Judy said:And I sure hope that you have listed and reviewed your Dr Spawn at sleepsearch, Rock Hinkle!
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Permalink Reply by sleepycarol on
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I had a full ENT workup in 1990. Had corrective surgery for deviated septum, sinus work (don't remember now what all was done) etc. when trying to control migraines. My own personal opinion is that I don't need to see an ENT at this point. But I do admit my experience with the surgery was not good. It was suppose to be out patient and ended up with a four day stay in the hospital.
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sleepycarol, do you mind telling us what happened that you had to stay so long. I know it happens sometimes.
Mary Z.
sleepycarol said:I had a full ENT workup in 1990. Had corrective surgery for deviated septum, sinus work (don't remember now what all was done) etc. when trying to control migraines. My own personal opinion is that I don't need to see an ENT at this point. But I do admit my experience with the surgery was not good. It was suppose to be out patient and ended up with a four day stay in the hospital.
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