What Type of Doctor Treats Sleep Apnea?
Understanding who manages sleep apnea care
Sleep apnea is a complex medical condition that affects breathing during sleep. Because it involves the airway, lungs, brain signals, and overall respiratory health, several types of physicians may play a role in diagnosis and treatment.
For many patients, the most important specialist involved in sleep apnea care is a physician trained in sleep medicine.
Pulmonologists with sleep medicine training
Pulmonologists are physicians who specialize in diseases of the lungs and respiratory system. Many pulmonologists also complete advanced training in sleep medicine, making them uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat sleep apnea.
This dual expertise allows them to evaluate both breathing disorders and sleep physiology.
The American Board of Internal Medicine recognizes sleep medicine as a specialized certification that physicians can obtain after additional training and examination.
Because sleep apnea directly affects breathing and oxygen levels, pulmonologists with sleep medicine training often manage both the diagnosis and long-term treatment of the condition.
Three of our Pulmonologists are Sleep Board Certified; Dr. Razzack, Dr. Ahmed, and Dr. Faruki. You can read more about each of them and our full provider team on our About Us page, here.
Other specialists who may be involved
Depending on the cause and severity of sleep apnea, other medical professionals may participate in care.
Otolaryngologists, also known as ENT physicians, may evaluate structural airway issues such as enlarged tonsils or nasal obstruction. Dentists trained in sleep medicine may provide oral appliance therapy designed to reposition the jaw during sleep.
In certain cases, surgeons may perform procedures designed to stabilize the airway or treat underlying anatomical concerns.
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, a collaborative approach often leads to the most effective long-term treatment.
https://sleepeducation.org/sleep-apnea/treatment/
Why diagnosis matters
Sleep apnea is associated with a range of health risks when left untreated. These include high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and chronic fatigue.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute reports that untreated sleep apnea can also increase the risk of accidents due to daytime sleepiness.
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-apnea
For this reason, early evaluation by a sleep specialist can play a critical role in protecting both short-term wellbeing and long-term health.
Finding the right specialist
If you suspect sleep apnea, the first step is often speaking with your primary care physician, who may recommend a sleep evaluation.
From there, a pulmonologist or sleep medicine physician can conduct a sleep study, confirm a diagnosis, and develop an individualized treatment plan.
At The Respire Institute, our physicians are trained in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine, allowing patients to receive comprehensive evaluation and treatment within one specialized team.
