A 55-year-old male presents with excessive daytime sleepiness and loud snoring noticed by his partner. He also reports frequent nocturnal awakenings with a choking sensation. He is obese with a BMI of 35. What could be his condition and what are the next steps?
This patient's symptoms suggest Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a condition where there is repeated interruption of breathing during sleep due to upper airway obstruction. Obesity is a major risk factor. The next step would be a formal sleep study, or polysomnography, to confirm the diagnosis. If confirmed, initial treatment options can include lifestyle modifications, like weight loss and avoiding alcohol before bedtime, and use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy.