Obstructive sleep apnoea at a Glance
Most common causes
- Excess weight
- Narrow or blocked airway
- Nasal problems
- Alcohol or sedatives
- Family pattern
When to seek medical attention
- Pauses or gasping in sleep
- Loud, habitual snoring
- Daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
Specialist: Dr Kuntilraj Borgohain · Pulmonology
What is Obstructive sleep apnoea?
Snoring is common, but loud, habitual snoring — especially with gasping, choking or pauses in breathing during sleep — can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnoea. In this condition, the airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep, briefly interrupting breathing and disturbing rest, often without the person realising. The result is unrefreshing sleep and daytime tiredness. Importantly, untreated sleep apnoea can affect blood pressure, heart health and concentration over time, so it is worth evaluating — and it is very treatable.
Common Causes
Excess Weight / Airway
- • Loud snoring
- • Pauses in breathing
- • More common with excess weight
Nasal & Throat Problems
- • Blocked nose
- • Enlarged tonsils
- • Mouth breathing
Lifestyle Factors
- • Alcohol or sedatives before sleep can worsen it
Daytime Effects
- • Sleepiness
- • Morning headache
- • Poor concentration
- • Irritability
Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored
- ▸ Pauses, gasping or choking during sleep (often noticed by a partner)
- ▸ Loud, habitual snoring most nights
- ▸ Excessive daytime sleepiness or falling asleep easily
- ▸ Morning headaches or waking unrefreshed
- ▸ Difficulty concentrating or low energy
- ▸ Snoring with high blood pressure or heart concerns
How Doctors Evaluate Obstructive sleep apnoea
Your consultation may include: a history of snoring, sleep and daytime symptoms (a partner's observations help), examination of the nose, throat and airway, weight and blood pressure assessment, and a sleep study when sleep apnoea is suspected. This confirms the diagnosis and guides effective treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Obstructive sleep apnoea Care in Guwahati
Patients from Beltola, GS Road, Six Mile, Dispur, Ganeshguri, Zoo Road, Maligaon and Hengrabari can consult our Pulmonology specialist at Healthwrx. Better sleep and health, close to home.
Related Pages
Common Questions
When should snoring be checked by a doctor?
When it is loud and habitual, comes with gasping or pauses in breathing, or with daytime sleepiness and morning headaches.
Which doctor treats snoring and sleep apnoea?
A pulmonologist (lung specialist) evaluates and treats snoring and sleep apnoea.
Can sleep apnoea be treated?
Yes. With lifestyle changes and treatments such as CPAP when needed, sleep apnoea is very manageable.