Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and ENT Care: What’s the Connection?

It’s easy to dismiss snoring as just part of the Chicago night noise. But when it’s frequent, loud, or paired with pauses in breathing, it might be a sign of sleep apnea, which can be serious.

Through Michigan Avenue ENT, Michigan Avenue Primary Care partners with Julian Dixon, MD, a double-board-certified ENT and facial plastic specialist to diagnose and treat these conditions. Understanding how snoring and sleep apnea interrelate — and how ENT care can help — is your first step toward better sleep and healthier days.

Why snoring and sleep apnea often go hand in hand

Snoring happens when airflow is partially blocked or air vibrates soft tissues in your throat. That alone can be bothersome. Sleep apnea takes that blockage further — it’s when airflow stops (apnea) or is severely reduced (hypopnea) for at least 10 seconds during sleep.

Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to fatigue, high blood pressure, cardiovascular strain, and poorer cognitive function. Snoring isn’t harmless; it can be a red flag that your airway isn’t staying open while you sleep.

Key signs that snoring may be hiding sleep apnea

You may snore for years without thinking it’s serious — until symptoms push it into view. Watch for:

• Loud, chronic snoring
• Episodes of gasping, choking, or pauses in breathing during sleep
• Excessive daytime sleepiness, even when you think you’ve slept enough
• Morning headaches or a dry throat on waking
• Frequent nighttime awakenings or restlessness
• Difficulty concentrating, mood changes, or memory problems

If you see several of these signs in yourself, or if a bed partner reports witnesses apnea episodes, it’s time to get evaluated.

How we diagnose and treat snoring and sleep apnea

Dr. Dixon brings advanced expertise to ENT care. With his dual board certifications, he’s uniquely qualified to assess both airway structure and functional needs.

To determine the cause of your snoring and whether sleep apnea is the culprit, Dr. Dixon:

• Performs a full evaluation of your upper airway anatomy (nose, throat, palate)
• Assesses your risk factors (weight, neck size, medical history
• May recommend a sleep study (polysomnography or home sleep test) to monitor oxygen levels, airflow, and breathing patterns

Depending on the results, his treatment approaches may include:

• Positive airway pressure (PAP) devices like CPAP or BiPAP to keep your airway open
• Oral appliances to reposition your jaw or tongue to prevent collapse
• Surgical options — when structural issues are the root cause
• Adjunct therapies — weight management, positional therapy, nasal treatments

By combining medical, mechanical, and anatomical solutions, Dr. Dixon and our team tailor treatment plans to your unique needs and airway structure.

Snoring doesn’t have to be just an annoyance — it may be your signal that something deeper needs attention. With ENT expertise and personalized care, you can breathe more easily, sleep better, and protect your overall health.

Call Michigan Avenue Primary Care or Michigan Avenue ENT or request an appointment online to schedule a sleep evaluation with Dr. Dixon. Let’s help you get back to restful, reliable sleep.