Obstructive Sleep Apnea Care for Adults

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common condition in which the airway repeatedly collapses or becomes blocked during sleep, causing breathing to stop and start many times through the night. Each pause can last from a few seconds to minutes and may happen dozens of times an hour, fragmenting sleep and lowering oxygen levels. It is the most common form of sleep apnea, and untreated it can affect daytime alertness and long-term heart and brain health. Avita MD primary care providers diagnose and manage obstructive sleep apnea for adults in Los Altos, Mountain View, and Los Gatos.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

Many signs of obstructive sleep apnea appear at night and are first noticed by a bed partner. Common symptoms include:

• Loud, frequent snoring
• Gasping, choking, or breathing pauses during sleep that someone else observes
• Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
• Waking unrefreshed or with a morning headache
• Trouble concentrating, memory problems, or mood changes

Because the disrupted breathing happens during sleep, many people do not realize they have it until a partner notices or daytime tiredness becomes hard to ignore.

How does Avita MD diagnose and treat sleep apnea?

At Avita MD, evaluation starts with your medical and family history, your symptoms, and a physical exam that looks at the airway and risk factors. When sleep apnea is suspected, we coordinate a sleep study to confirm it. That may be an overnight polysomnogram in a sleep lab or a home sleep apnea test you can do in your own bed. Same-day and next-day appointments mean concerns about snoring or daytime sleepiness can be addressed promptly.

When testing confirms obstructive sleep apnea, treatment is matched to its severity. Options include lifestyle changes such as weight management, sleep position, and limiting alcohol before bed, along with CPAP therapy, oral appliances, or in some cases surgery. CPAP is one of the most effective treatments, and we provide CPAP follow-up to check that it is comfortable and working, adjusting the plan as needed. We track your progress over time through longitudinal records and coordinate referrals to sleep medicine or ENT when specialized care is appropriate.

The table below lists common signs alongside factors that raise the risk of obstructive sleep apnea.

Common signs	Risk factors
Loud snoring and gasping during sleep	Excess weight
Daytime sleepiness or fatigue	Male sex and family history
Waking unrefreshed or with a headache	Small or crowded airway, enlarged tonsils

When should you see a doctor about sleep apnea?

Talk with Avita MD if you snore loudly and frequently, if a partner has seen you gasp or stop breathing during sleep, or if you feel excessively sleepy or unrefreshed during the day. Falling asleep while driving or during routine activities is a sign that needs prompt attention. Because untreated obstructive sleep apnea is linked to high blood pressure, heart problems, and stroke, getting evaluated early matters. An Avita MD primary care provider can review your symptoms and risk factors, coordinate a sleep study, and manage your treatment and CPAP follow-up over time.