Purcellville, VA Sleep Apnea Specialist

Sleep Apnea Treatment near Purcellville, VA

Sleep disorders are a widespread health condition that affect an estimated 40 million individuals in the United States each year. The most prevalent of these is sleep apnea, which affects an estimated 22 million individuals. As one of the most severe sleep disorders in the U.S., sleep apnea can lead to persistent fatigue, weight increase, and even cardiac failure. The most concerning aspect of this condition is that it can remain undetected for an extended period of time.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or periods of shallow breathing during sleep. These interruptions in breathing can last for a few seconds to several minutes and may occur multiple times per hour. There are three main types of sleep apnea:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the most common form of sleep apnea. It occurs when the muscles at the back of the throat relax excessively, leading to a blockage of the airway. As a result, the person’s breathing is temporarily disrupted or stopped.

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): This type of sleep apnea is less common and is caused by a failure of the brain to send the appropriate signals to the muscles that control breathing. Unlike OSA, there is no physical obstruction of the airway in CSA.

Complex/Mixed Sleep Apnea: This is a combination of obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, restless tossing and turning, excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. It can contribute to various health problems, including hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and impaired cognitive function.

Risk Factors of Sleep Apnea

Risk factors for sleep apnea include obesity, being male, being over the age of 40, having a neck circumference greater than 17 inches in men or 16 inches in women, having a family history of sleep apnea, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes.

Treatment options for Sleep Apnea

Treatment options for sleep apnea vary depending on the severity and type of apnea. Lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, positional therapy, and avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime, may be recommended. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is a common treatment where a machine delivers a steady stream of air through a mask to keep the airway open. In some cases, surgery or dental devices may be considered.

If you suspect you or someone you know may have sleep apnea, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Untreated sleep apnea can have significant health consequences.

At NOVA Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Associates, our sleep apnea doctors specialize in the identification, diagnosis and treatment of mild to severe sleep apnea, helping our patients take back control of their health and feel their best.

• We are committed to providing the best comprehensive care for sleep medicine, pulmonary care and critical illness.

• We are affiliated with Stone Springs Hospital Center 20 minutes from Purcellville, VA .

• We are an affordable solution, accepting all insurance. We do not refuse treatment for any patient.

• Dr. Aditya Dubey is highly rated by patients throughout the Northern Virginia area.

• Located close to Purcellville

Finding a Sleep Apnea Doctor

Patients often find difficulty finding a sleep apnea doctor. As a sleep apnea specialist, these doctors deal with both the underlying causes and implications of sleep apnea for their patients.

Sleep apnea ranks among the most dangerous of sleep disorders, especially for those that already have underlying heart or pulmonary conditions. If you suspect that sleep apnea may be something you should look into don’t hesitate to reach out to our  team of sleep apnea specialists today.

Diagnosis

At NOVA Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Associates, our sleep doctors will take inventory of your medical history, symptoms and sleep history in order to determine what steps may be appropriate for further diagnosis.

Your sleep apnea doctor may suggest a number of further tests including an overnight stay at our sleep clinic for monitoring.

Diagnostic tests for Sleep Apnea Include:

• Nocturnal Polysomnography – Nocturnal polysomnography (NPSG) is a comprehensive sleep study conducted overnight to evaluate and diagnose various sleep disorders. This test involves monitoring multiple physiological parameters while an individual sleeps. The purpose is to gather data on different aspects of sleep and identify any abnormalities or disruptions in the sleep cycle.
• Home Sleep Tests – these tests, while not as thorough or accurate, are less invasive and can be carried out in the comfort of your own home. They typically measure blood oxygen levels, heart rate, breathing patterns and airflow.

Treatment

Based on the outcome of your sleep apnea test(s) your sleep doctor may suggest prescription therapy or treatment. While a number of treatment options are available, one of the most commonly prescribed and effective treatments for both moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a positive airway pressure machine (CPAP machine).

Other common treatment options include a nighttime mandibular advancement device that works to move the lower jaw or tongue forward, as well as various surgical procedures.

Surgery (when required) may involve:

• Tissue removal
• Tissue shrinkage
• Jaw re-positioning
• Implants
• Nerve stimulation
• Establishing a new passageway for air

Lifestyle Changes that May Prove Effective:

• Weight loss
• Exercise
• Avoidance of alcohol, sleeping pills and tranquilizers
• Sleeping on side or abdomen vs on back
• Stopping smoking

Get Your Sleep Apnea Treated with NOVA Pulmonary Critical Care 

Since inception, the team at NOVA Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Associates have dedicated our practice to the specialty diagnosis, care and treatment of sleep and pulmonary disorders. Our talented sleep specialists understand the unique challenges our patients face and are ready and eager to help.

It’s crucial to work closely with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable treatment plan for your specific situation. Regular follow-up visits and adjustments to the treatment plan may be necessary to ensure its effectiveness. If you suspect you have sleep apnea or are experiencing symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical advice promptly.