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Which specialist should I choose to help me with my sleep apnea?

Click on the icons below to obtain more information regarding the specialists who can diagnose, assist and/or monitor obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Cardiologist
Endocrinologist
Speech Therapist
Gynecologist
Physical Therapist
Sleep Physician
Dentist
Sleep Dentist
Otolaryngologist
Pulmonologist
Neurologist
Psychiatrist
Other Specialties
General Practitioner

Cardiologist

Obstructive sleep apnea is a risk factor for developing potentially fatal cardiovascular diseases. These include systemic hypertension, stroke, cardiac arrhythmia, and atrial fibrillation. It is of primary importance to consult with a cardiologist in the event of experiencing symptoms such as loud and frequent snoring; excessive daytime drowsiness; morning headaches; and a feeling of suffocation during sleep.

Endocrinologist

Obstructive sleep apnea is a risk factor for developing diseases such as diabetes mellitus, gastroesophageal reflux, and obesity. It is of primary importance to consult with an endocrinologist in the event of experiencing symptoms such as loud and frequent snoring; excessive daytime drowsiness; morning headaches; and a feeling of suffocation during sleep.

Speech Therapist

The speech therapist treats sleep apnea through therapies that strengthen the oropharyngeal muscles to enhance chewing, suction, swallowing and breathing. Thus, along with the appropriate treatment, not only do the symptoms significantly improve, but also the quality of life.

Gynecologist

Sleep apnea is very common in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). This sleep disorder is likely also related to obesity, in addition to other important aspects such as apnea during pregnancy, which poses a risk for hypertension and gestational diabetes. Starting from perimenopause and late postmenopause, the frequency of sleep disorders increases, as well as the cardiovascular risk due to the decline in estrogen and progesterone concentration levels.

Physical Therapist

Physical therapists are fundamental for treating sleep apnea. These professionals, along with physicians, establish proper solutions for various causes of sleep apnea. The physical therapists provide home mechanical noninvasive ventilation support and tailor each case to the best possible respiratory care. The goal is to keep the upper airways open and thus prevent their collapse, especially throughout the inspiratory phase.

Sleep Physician

The sleep physician is responsible for investigating the role that sleep plays in life, possible disorders, and the daily consequences of these disturbances. It is of primary importance to consult with a sleep physician if you feel that you are not sleeping well or experiencing symptoms such as excessive daytime drowsiness, tiredness, snoring, insomnia, or restless sleep, among others.

Dentist

Nowadays, dentists have a broad field of work within the area of sleep disorders. They can treat cases of bruxism, primary snoring, and even mild to moderate sleep apnea. It is of primary importance to consult with a dentist, since an untreated apnea patient may exhibit symptoms such as excessive drowsiness, or an increased risk of accidents, among others.

Sleep Dentist

Sleep dentistry is a specialty that allows qualified dentists to evaluate, diagnose, and treat disorders that affect sleep. These include snoring, bruxism, and obstructive sleep apnea. The usual treatment involves the use of mandibular advancement plates and/or oral appliances.

Otolaryngologist

The otolaryngologist is responsible for indicating the best treatment for snoring and sleep apnea, both in the overall evaluation of the patient and in requesting the necessary complementary tests. It is important to consider that 80% of patients present multiple collapse areas in the upper airways, and these must be treated.

Pulmonologist

A pulmonologist is a qualified specialist to treat diseases that affect the respiratory airways, including sleep apnea. If you present symptoms of this disorder, we recommend you see a pulmonologist. Remember that some of these symptoms may include shortness of breath and rapid heartbeat, among others.

Neurologist

Both normal sleep and sleep disorders are associated with proper or improper brain function. The neurologist is the one who knows the anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and clinical aspects of the nervous system in depth. Issues such as restless sleep, excessive daytime drowsiness and sudden mood changes can be related to sleep apnea.

Psychiatrist

Sleep disturbances are an evident factor in psychiatric disorders. Generally, these disorders include depression; generalized anxiety disorder; panic disorder; post-traumatic stress disorder; schizophrenia; and Alzheimer’s, which, despite being a neurodegenerative disease, can develop with depression or sleep disorders. Patients with psychiatric disorders often complain of difficulty initiating and maintaining sleep (in other words, initial and maintenance insomnia), and non-restful and interrupted sleep.

Other Specialties

Sleep apnea is associated with many symptoms and comorbidities. Among these, the most notable are excessive daytime drowsiness; cognitive issues; obesity; type 2 diabetes mellitus; hypertension; the aggravation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; low quality of life; and a significant risk increase in work or traffic-related accidents. Furthermore, as if this was not enough, sleep apnea is considered an independent risk factor both for cardiovascular diseases and ischemic stroke, which is potentially lethal.

General Practitioner

Based upon the anamnesis, the first diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea can be carried out by a general practitioner. Patients usually exhibit various problems such as morning headaches, excessive daytime drowsiness, insomnia, snoring, and dry mouth, among others. Given this situation, the physician can order the Biologix Sleep Test® to make a diagnosis, lead the case or refer the patient to a specialist to determine the best possible treatment.