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  1. UAMS Health
  2. Conditions
  3. Sleep Apnea

Condition: Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is becoming a more common condition today with one in five adults thought to have some degree of obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when your breathing is interrupted during sleep. If sleep apnea is untreated, it could cause you to stop breathing repeatedly during sleep, sometimes hundreds of times.

Symptoms

There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive and central. Obstructive sleep apnea is the more common form that is caused by a blockage of the airway. Central sleep apnea is when the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe due to instability in the respiratory control center.

Sleep apnea is more common in males and people who are overweight. There is also an increased risk if you have gastroesophageal reflux or have a family history of sleep apnea.

Because it only occurs during sleep, most people who have sleep apnea aren’t aware of the issue. A family member or bed partner may first notice the signs of sleep apnea. The condition is diagnosed with an overnight sleep test or sleep study.

The most common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

  • Waking up with a very sore and/or dry throat
  • Loud snoring
  • Occasionally waking up with a choking or gasping sensation
  • Daytime fatigue
  • Restless sleep

Diagnosis and Treatment

Treatment for sleep apnea varies depending on the individual and the severity of the case. For mild cases, behavioral therapy may help, such as sleeping on your side, avoiding alcohol, sleeping pills or other sedatives. One of the most common ways to treat the condition is the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. This machine generates the required air pressure the keep your airways open during sleep. Sometimes surgery is another option for treatment.

Contents

  • Treatments & Procedures
  • Providers
  • Locations
  • Areas of Expertise
  • Make an Appointment

Treatments and Procedures Related to Sleep Apnea

UAMS Health providers perform and prescribe a broad range of treatments and procedures, some of which may not be listed below.

  • Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
  • Endoscopy
  • Septoplasty
  • Turbinate Reduction

Providers Diagnosing or Treating Sleep Apnea

Note that every provider listed below may not perform or prescribe all treatments or procedures related to Sleep Apnea. Review each provider for availability.

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Supriya K. Jambhekar, M.D.

Supriya K. Jambhekar, M.D. Pediatric Pulmonologist

View Profile

Locations Where Providers Treat Sleep Apnea

Note that the treatment of Sleep Apnea may not be performed at every location listed below. The list may include locations where the treatment plan is developed during and after a patient visit.

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Exterior of UAMS Jackson T. Stephens Spine and Neuroscience Institute building

Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic at the UAMS Medical Center

501 Jack Stephens Drive
UAMS Jackson T. Stephens Spine and Neuroscience Institute
Little Rock, AR 72205

Appointment Phone Number
501-686-8000
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions

Areas of Expertise for Sleep Apnea

Image of a close-up of female doctor analyzing girl's ear with otoscope in hospital.

Ear, Nose and Throat Care

ENT doctors can treat issues that range from the everyday to the complex. We provide both surgical and nonsurgical treatments for a wide range of conditions.

View Area of Expertise

Make an Appointment

Request an appointment by contacting a clinic directly or by calling the UAMS Health appointment line at (501) 686-8000.

UAMS Health LogoUAMS HealthUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-7000
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