Sleep Apnea Specialist

Internists and Primary Care located in Silver Spring, MD

Internists located in Silver Spring, MD

If you snore loudly in your sleep or you have difficulty focusing after what you thought was a full night’s rest, you may have sleep apnea, a potentially dangerous health condition. Anuradha Arun, MD, at PrimeCare Medicine in Silver Spring, Maryland, specializes in sleep apnea and can diagnose and treat the condition. If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, call today or schedule a consultation using the online booking button.

301-593-9800

Sleep Apnea Q & A

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is when your breathing starts and stops as you sleep. There are three types of sleep apnea:

Obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea that occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax, obstructing the airway passage. When oxygen levels dip, your body reacts by rousing you out of sleep. You may not remember waking up, but it may prevent you from getting a full night’s rest.

Central sleep apnea

Central sleep apnea occurs when your brain doesn’t signal your body to breath. When awakened, you may feel short of breath.

Complex sleep apnea syndrome

Complex sleep apnea is when you have both obstructive and central sleep apnea.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

Knowing what to look out for with sleep apnea may help you get timely treatment. Common symptoms include:

Loud snoring
Headache in the morning
Waking with a dry mouth
Being told that you stopped breathing while you slept
Not feeling well rested
Extreme sleepiness during the day
Insomnia
Irritability

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, Dr. Anuradha Arun and her team at PrimeCare Medicine can help determine the cause and get you the most appropriate treatment.

How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

Dr. Arun performs a thorough physical examination and obtains a detailed medical and sleep history to determine if your signs and symptoms indicate sleep apnea. But, in order to confirm a diagnosis, she may recommend a sleep study, which can be done at home or at an outpatient sleep study center.

A sleep study may also determine the type of sleep apnea you have, and if you need referrals to other medical specialists to help in the management of your sleep apnea.

What treatments are available for my sleep apnea?

Treatment for your sleep apnea may depend on the severity. If you have a mild form of sleep apnea, you may be able to improve your symptoms by losing weight or quitting smoking.

If your sleep apnea is more severe, you may benefit from a machine that provides continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Dr. Arun and her team can assist with the initiation of your CPAP and provide regular monitoring.

For expert medical management of your sleep apnea, call the compassionate team at PrimeCare Medicine or use the online booking button for an appointment.

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