Obstructive Sleep Apnea Specialist

Carolina Neurology Center, PLLC Aneeta Jain Gupta, MD, DM Our Services Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Aneeta Jain Gupta, MD, DM - - Board Certified Neurologist

Carolina Neurology Center, PLLC

Aneeta Jain Gupta, MD, DM

Board Certified Neurologist & Sleep Medicine Physician located in Hendersonville, NC serving Asheville, Brevard, Columbus, Weaverville, Morganton, NC and Upstate SC.

If you regularly wake up with a headache, feel tired throughout the day, or snore, you may have obstructive sleep apnea. Without treatment, obstructive sleep apnea increases your risk of serious health problems, including heart disease and diabetes. At Carolina Neurology Center, PLLC, in Hendersonville, North Carolina, board-certified neurologist Aneeta Gupta, MD, DM, works with people of all ages to diagnose and treat obstructive sleep apnea. To schedule your appointment, call the office or book online today.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Q&A

What is obstructive sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that causes you to stop and start breathing during sleep. It occurs as a result of the soft tissues at the back of your throat relaxing, and blocking your airway. 

Obstructive sleep apnea prevents you from getting a rejuvenating night’s rest. This increases your risk of exhaustion and accidents. It can also prevent you from paying attention at work or school. 

What are the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea?

The symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea depend on the severity of the condition. Common manifestations include:

  • Loud snoring
  • Morning headaches
  • Waking up with a dry mouth
  • Nighttime sweating
  • Low libido
  • Waking up and gasping for air
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • High blood pressure

If you have obstructive sleep apnea, you may also experience tiredness or lethargy throughout the day.

Who is at risk of obstructive sleep apnea?

People of all ages, races, and genders experience obstructive sleep apnea, but certain factors may increase your risk, including being overweight, having a narrowed airway, or chronic nasal problems. Other factors that contribute to obstructive sleep apnea include smoking, asthma, and a family history of the condition.

How is obstructive sleep apnea diagnosed?

To diagnose obstructive sleep apnea, Dr. Gupta reviews your medical history, asks you about the symptoms you’re experiencing, and conducts a physical exam. During your exam, Dr. Gupta examines the back of your throat, nose, and mouth for abnormalities or extra tissue. 

To determine the severity of obstructive sleep apnea, Dr. Gupta orders a sleep study -- an overnight test that you participate in at a local hospital. During a sleep study, a team of medical professionals attaches electrodes to your chest and head. The electrodes monitor your heart, lung, and brain activity during sleep. Dr. Gupta uses the insights that your sleep study provides to develop a custom treatment plan.

How is obstructive sleep apnea treated?

Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea usually involves a combination of healthy lifestyle changes and medical therapy. For example, Dr. Gupta might ask you to quit smoking, lose weight, or avoid taking sedative medications.

If lifestyle changes don’t improve sleep quality, you might benefit from continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy or a custom oral appliance. CPAP is a specialized machine that keeps the upper passages of your airway open. A custom oral appliance pushes your lower jaw slightly forward, clearing your airway and relieving snoring.

To schedule your obstructive sleep apnea appointment at Carolina Neurology Center, PLLC, call the office or book online today.