Sleep Apnea Specialist
-
- Tweet
Kimberly Bolling, MD
Internist located in Bowie, MD
If you have a chronic snoring problem, wake up with a dry mouth, or have throat pain upon awakening, there’s a chance you’re suffering from sleep apnea. Dr. Kimberly L. Bolling is an experienced and caring internist who diagnoses and treats sleep apnea at her self-titled practice in Bowie, Maryland. If you want to get rid of your sleep apnea, book an appointment online or over the phone today.
Sleep Apnea Q & A
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a dangerous condition that can cause you to stop breathing for brief intervals while you're sleeping. If you have sleep apnea, you may snore frequently. You may also wake up feeling thirsty and with a sore throat due to the breathing interruptions.
Although the breathing interruptions are usually short, they can eventually lead to heart disease, diabetes, and other problems if you don't get the treatment you need.
What are the different kinds of sleep apnea?
There are three types of sleep apnea. They include:
Obstructive sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of sleep apnea. With this kind of sleep apnea, your throat relaxes so much that it collapses, or your tongue blocks your throat and prevents you from breathing freely. This can happen many times during the night.
Central sleep apnea
Central sleep apnea occurs when the area of your brain that controls and monitors your breathing patterns malfunctions and briefly ceases to control your breathing. Just like obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea can make you stop breathing for brief periods throughout the night.
Mixed sleep apnea
Mixed sleep apnea occurs when you have both obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Dr. Bolling will determine which type of sleep apnea you have and then prescribe an effective treatment to help you get the relief you need.
How is sleep apnea treated?
With obstructive sleep apnea, Dr. Bolling may recommend a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device to keep your airways open. With a CPAP treatment, you'll wear a mask while sleeping, and the CPAP device will make sure you continue breathing.
CPAP devices work for many patients and are recommended by the National Sleep Foundation. Another option is a customized oral appliance that gently repositions your jaw to keep your throat from collapsing while you sleep.
If you're suffering from central or mixed sleep apnea, Dr. Bolling may focus on the neurological issue first and then deal with any lingering symptoms with a CPAP or oral device.
If you’re tired of snoring and sleeping poorly, book an appointment with Dr. Kimberly L. Bolling online or over the phone today.
