Sleep Apnea Specialist

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea (also called obstructive sleep apnea or OSA) is a chronic medical condition that causes the tissues at the back of of the throat to descend into the throat during sleep so breathing is partially or completely blocked. People with sleep apnea may experience dozens of breathing interruptions each night; sometimes, these interruptions are long enough to result in gasping and choking, and sometimes they are so mild, they aren't enough to cause complete wakefulness, which means some people may not even know they have apnea.

What symptoms does apnea cause?

Apnea causes different symptoms in different people. One of the most common symptoms of apnea is snoring; however, not everyone with sleep apnea will snore, and sometimes, snoring can be caused by issues other than apnea, including sinus infections and nasal blockages. Over time and without treatment, sleep apnea can cause an increase in the risks of serious medical issues like heart disease and heart attack, stroke, obesity, diabetes and depression. Plus, apnea can cause daytime sleepiness that can result in problems focusing and concentrating and can even increase the risk of motor vehicle accidents.

How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

First, your head and neck will be evaluated and an endoscopy may also be performed to look inside the neck and throat for signs of narrowing or other issues that could cause apnea. Sleep studies may also be ordered to measure your respiration, heart rate and other factors while you sleep.

How is obstructive sleep apnea treated?

One of the most common treatments for sleep apnea is the use of continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, a device that uses a mask to deliver a constant stream of air to your mouth and nose while you sleep, helping to prevent the airway from closing. In some cases, sinus or throat surgery may be a better option.