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Guide · 2 min read

Sleep Apnea Doctor – Expert Diagnosis & Treatment

Dr. Minal Patel finds and treats obstructive sleep apnea in patients of all ages.

Medically reviewed by , board-certified in sleep medicine and pediatrics · Last reviewed

General information, not medical advice. Read our disclaimer.

SLEEP APNEA · BASICS

Sleep apnea at a glance

  • 1 to 5%Of children have sleep apnea
  • In sleep apnea, your airway closes again and again during sleep.
  • It is found with a sleep study in a lab or at home.
  • Treatment fits how severe it is and what you prefer.
  • Untreated, it raises the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
  • Children can have it too, often from large tonsils or adenoids.

See a sleep doctor if you have…

  • Loud snoring that goes on for a long time
  • Pauses in breathing that others see while you sleep
  • Gasping or choking as you wake up
  • Strong daytime sleepiness or morning headaches
  • Trouble focusing, crankiness or mood changes

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious condition. During sleep, your airway closes again and again, which causes pauses in your breathing. A sleep apnea doctor is an expert in finding this problem and planning treatment that works.

What are the signs of sleep apnea?

  • Loud snoring — snoring that goes on for a long time
  • Pauses in breathing — that others see while you sleep
  • Gasping or choking — as you wake up
  • Daytime sleepiness — feeling very sleepy during the day
  • Morning headaches — waking up with a headache
  • Trouble focusing — a hard time paying attention
  • Mood changes — crankiness and mood changes

How do we diagnose sleep apnea?

Dr. Patel uses a full approach. She talks with you and examines you. She also uses tests that measure your sleep:

How is sleep apnea treated?

Treatment is chosen to fit how severe your sleep apnea is and what you prefer:

  • CPAP therapy — a machine that blows air through a mask to keep your airway open. It is the first treatment for moderate to severe OSA.
  • Oral appliance therapy — a device you wear in your mouth. It can be used instead of CPAP for mild to moderate cases.
  • Weight management — lifestyle changes that can make it less severe
  • Positional therapy — for people whose apnea depends on their sleep position
  • Surgery — when simpler treatments don't work

What happens if sleep apnea is not treated?

Sleep apnea that is not treated is linked to serious health problems:

  • Heart disease and stroke — strain on the heart and blood vessels
  • High blood pressure — blood pressure that stays too high
  • Type 2 diabetes — a higher risk of diabetes
  • Depression and anxiety — effects on mood
  • Car crashes — from feeling sleepy in the day

Don't let sleep apnea go untreated. Call (512) 931-1575 to book your visit with Dr. Patel.

SLEEP APNEA · TREATMENT

Treatment options

CPAP

What it isA machine that blows air through a mask to keep your airway open.

Who it helpsThe first treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea.

Good to knowIt is worn while you sleep.

Key point

Oral appliance

What it isA device you wear in your mouth.

Who it helpsCan be used instead of CPAP for mild to moderate cases.

Good to knowAn option if CPAP is not right for you.

Weight management

What it isLifestyle changes to manage your weight.

Who it helpsCan make sleep apnea less severe.

Good to knowOften used along with other treatments.

Positional therapy

What it isChanging the position you sleep in.

Who it helpsPeople whose apnea depends on their sleep position.

Good to knowHelps only when position is part of the problem.

Surgery

What it isSurgery to help keep the airway open.

Who it helpsPeople for whom simpler treatments don't work.

Good to knowUsually considered after simpler treatments.

Watch and learn

What happens during obstructive sleep apnea50 s · narrated and captioned

Common questions

How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
Sleep apnea is found with a sleep study (polysomnography). It can be done in a sleep lab or at home with a small, portable device. The study measures breathing problems, oxygen levels, and how well you sleep.
What happens if sleep apnea goes untreated?
Sleep apnea that is not treated raises your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It also raises your risk of car crashes, because you feel sleepy in the day.
Can children have sleep apnea?
Yes. About 1 to 5% of children have obstructive sleep apnea, often linked to large tonsils or adenoids. Dr. Patel is trained in both children's medicine and sleep medicine. This makes her well suited to treat sleep apnea in children.

Trusted medical sources

This page follows guidance and research from leading medical organizations.

AASMNHLBISleep FoundationMayo ClinicCDC

Further reading

Part of our sleep apnea management service.

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