Sleep Apnea Specialist

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disorder in which your breathing stops and starts repeatedly throughout the night when you sleep. It interferes with sleep quality and can be dangerous in some cases. Dr. Alim’s treatment can help you breathe easier at night and sleep soundly.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

Common sleep apnea symptoms include:

• Loud snoring
• Gasping for air during the night
• Episodes of stopped breathing
• Morning headaches
• Morning dry mouth
• Problems staying asleep
• Irritability
• Excessive daytime fatigue

You might have a hard time paying attention at work or school because of lack of sleep caused by sleep apnea. Your spouse can also experience daytime sleepiness because of your snoring.

Complications caused by untreated sleep apnea include high blood pressure, heart problems, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, an increased waist circumference, liver problems, and high blood sugar.

What are the risk factors for sleep apnea?

Conditions that increase your risk of developing sleep apnea include: 

• Obesity
• Narrow airway
• Thick neck
• Being a man
• Older age
• Family history of sleep apnea
• Sedative or alcohol use
• Nasal congestion
• Smoking
• Hormone disorders
• Parkinson's disease
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women
• Asthma 
• Other lung diseases
• Prior stroke

Having a chronic disease, like diabetes, high blood pressure, Parkinson’s disease, or heart failure, can also increase your risk of developing sleep apnea.

How does my doctor diagnose sleep apnea?

To find out if you have sleep apnea, Dr. Alim discusses your medical history and symptoms. He completes a physical exam to assess your general health and listens to your breathing.

Dr. Alim might then recommend that you undergo an at-home sleep study or a study at a sleep center. He might also refer you to a specialist to find the underlying cause of your condition.

What are common sleep apnea treatments?

Depending on what kind of sleep apnea you have and how severe it is, Dr. Alim will recommend one or more of the following treatments:

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)

CPAP machines increase your airflow during sleep. You breathe through a mask, while a machine keeps your airway passage open to prevent snoring and improve breathing.

Oral appliances

Wearing an oral appliance in your mouth while you sleep can reposition your jaw to keep your airway open, reduce snoring, and help you get a better night’s rest.

Supplemental oxygen

Using supplemental oxygen can deliver more oxygen to your lungs and blood while you sleep.

Adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV)

ASV is an airflow device that uses computerized technology and pressure to assess your normal breathing patterns and prevent breathing pauses.

Surgery

In some cases, surgery is the best choice for treating the underlying cause of sleep apnea. Tissue removal, jaw repositioning, jaw implants, nerve stimulation, and creating new airway passages are surgeries Dr. Alim could recommend that you undergo.

Don’t live with constant fatigue when many sleep apnea treatments are available to help you breathe easy and sleep better. Call Salman Alim, MD, today to schedule an appointment or book one online.