Dr. Marc Bowen of New York, NY, describes obstructive sleep apnea, also called OSA, as a condition that occurs when the soft tissue at the back of your throat blocks your airway. As you sleep, your body experiences pauses in breathing because you are unable to get enough air. This causes a drop in levels of oxygen and an increase in carbon dioxide levels, which can lead to other serious health complications. Obstructive sleep apnea is more common among women than men, although it affects people of all ages and ethnicities.

What Are Some Factors That May Increase Your Risk of Developing OSA?

Several risk factors may make you much more susceptible to obstructive sleep apnea. These include being overweight, having a recessed chin or small jawbone, being over age 40, having large tonsils or tongue muscles, smoking cigarettes or using alcohol excessively, and having a family history of sleep apnea.

What Are Some of the Symptoms of OSA?

Some common signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include regularly waking up with a sore throat or dry mouth, snoring loudly at night, feeling excessively tired during the day despite sleeping for eight or more hours per night, difficulty focusing or concentrating, and high blood pressure.

If You Think That You May Have OSA, It Is Important To Seek Treatment as Soon as Possible

Fortunately, many effective treatments can help manage your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. These options include lifestyle changes like losing weight if needed and avoiding alcohol before bedtime. Other options include using a CPAP device that helps open your airways while sleeping. The severity of your sleep apnea will often determine the recommended treatment from Dr. Marc Bowen and his team.

Schedule an Appointment Today To Educate Yourself Further on This and Other Conditions That May Affect Your Sleep and Daily Lifestyle

If you have recently received a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea or believe you may have it, it is time to connect with our team at MXBowen. Dr. Marc Bowen has approximately 30 years of experience in clinical practice with a specialization in pulmonary disease, internal medicine, and critical care medicine. He is also bilingual, serving patients who speak both English and Spanish. Call 212-480-4062 to request a consultation visit with our team and get started taking charge of your condition.