What is obstructive sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious sleep disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing. It occurs from obstruction of the upper airway which blocks normal airflow. As a result, the brain signals the muscles of the chest and diaphragm to open the airway, which can result in a loud gasping sound and lead to disrupted sleep.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder with very significant and detrimental health concerns, including cardiovascular disease-related complications which can lead to early death if left untreated.

Airway obstruction can be caused by varying factors such as the tongue or soft palate tissue. In order to identify whether you have obstructive sleep apnea, a diagnostic test called a home sleep study may be recommended.

Dr. Marc Bowen is an NYC pulmonologist and sleep apnea specialist with over three decades of experience specializing in pulmonary medicine. We are dedicated to providing a personalized and convenient patient experience, offering the latest diagnostic tests and in-office procedures to help you return to your active lifestyle. If you believe that you may have sleep apnea, schedule an appointment with Dr. Bowen on Zocdoc or call 212-480-4062 for an evaluation. Appointments will be confirmed by office staff.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

One of the most telltale symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea is chronic snoring. Other signs to look for may include:

• Excessive daytime sleepiness (ESS)
• Pauses in breathing while asleep
• Choking or gasping during sleep
• Trouble concentrating
• Irregular heartbeat
• Sore throat
• High blood pressure

If you chronically snore or are experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness or any other telltale symptoms of sleep apnea, please contact our office to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Bowen as soon as possible for sleep apnea testing and treatment. Dr. Bowen is an experienced pulmonologist who specializes in sleep apnea in NYC.