The ENT specialist usually makes an evaluation based on symptoms, physical examination of throat, mouth, and nose for extra tissues, and tests like polysomnography or home sleep apnea testing.
Treatment
Diagnosis
Surgery
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) or UP3 is a procedure that removes excess tissue in the throat to make the airway wider. This sometimes can allow air to move through the throat more easily when you breathe, reducing the severity of obstructive sleep apnea. The tissues that are removed may include the soft finger-shaped tissue that hangs down from the back of the roof of the mouth into the throat (uvula), or part of the roof of the mouth (soft palate). If an enlarged tongue is a factor in your sleep apnea, the surgeon may remove a small part of the tongue.