Sleep Apnea
Breathe Better. Sleep Better.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a serious medical condition characterized by repeated episodes of blocked airflow during sleep. These interruptions occur when the tongue and soft tissues collapse against the back of the throat, obstructing the upper airway. The resulting drop in blood oxygen levels causes the brain to partially wake the individual, restoring airflow often with a gasp or choking sound.
This cycle can occur hundreds of times a night, leading to poor sleep quality and significant health consequences. Patients with untreated OSA commonly suffer from excessive daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, mood disturbances, and increased risks of hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues.
Understanding the Symptoms
Common signs of sleep apnea include loud snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep (often noticed by a bed partner), gasping or choking at night, and daytime symptoms like sleepiness, irritability, or morning headaches. In milder cases, patients may have Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS), which shares many of the same symptoms but with less pronounced airway blockage.
Diagnostic Process
If you suspect you or a loved one may have sleep apnea, contact our office to schedule a comprehensive consultation.
Want To Know More?
Call us for more information!