Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea.

Sleep apnea is greatly under diagnosed. It is estimated that about 90% of the people who have sleep apnea do not know that they have it. The reasons for this are that the symptoms are vague, develop gradually and appear when you are asleep and therefore do not realize that. Secondly, the knowledge of sleep apnea is still poor among physicians and thirdly the diagnostic test for sleep apnea is expensive.

Diagnosis of sleep apnea is based on the evaluation of the medical history and symptoms presented by the patient and/or his or her bed partner, physical examination and the results of a sleep study, called polysomnography which is carried out using a polysomnogram. You may be referred to a sleep disorder center where the sleep specialist will begin his diagnosis followed by treatment.

Medical History and Symptoms.

This gives an idea to the sleep specialist of any symptoms of sleep apnea, (such as loud snoring) which the patient may have and the medical history will tell if the patient is having any disorder which can be the cause of sleep apnea.

Physical Examination.

Physical examination of the nose and mouth helps to rule out an enlarged tonsil or uvula or a soft palate or a deviated nasal septum which could be causing sleep apnea. Other  sleep apnea causes too can be ruled out by a thorough physical examination.

Polysomnography.

After your symptoms and signs have suggested that you may be having sleep apnea, your sleep doctor will suggest a polysomnogram to confirm the diagnosis of sleep apnea. A sleep study or a polysomnography (PSG) is the most accurate method to diagnose sleep apnea. It measures a number of physical and physiological activities while you are asleep. It also monitors your sleep stages and patterns to see if your sleep cycle is disrupted during sleep.

Polysomnography, also called nocturnal polysomnography, is the most common sleep study which records your breathing when you are sleeping. It is usually done at a sleep center. Read polysomnography – a sleep study for full report

CPAP to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea.

CPAP or continuous positive airway pressure is used in cases where obstructive sleep apnea has been diagnosed. If you have obstructive sleep apnea you will be required to under go the test again wearing a mask that provides positive pressure.

The CPAP mask prevents collapse of your airway during sleep and helps maintain proper breathing. At times a split night study is carried out in which the CPAP mask is used during the second half of the night after the evaluation during the first half is carried out without CPAP. Read the full reprt on CPAP

Home Sleep Monitor. 

In certain circumstances a home monitor is used where the activities mentioned above are recorded by this home monitor in your home when you are asleep. A technician comes to your home, applies the monitor at night and takes away the recordings in the morning.

Once sleep apnea is diagnosed and the associated problem (such as a lung or heart problem), you may be referred to the concerned specialist to treat the problem that is causing either obstructive sleep apnea or central sleep apnea.

Advantages of this method is lower cost and you do not have to spend the night in a sleep center.

Disadvantages of home sleep monitoring inability to resolve any technical issues that may arise, inability to diagnose other sleep disorders, inability to diagnose total sleep time, requirement of attendant to fix and remove the equipment and improper application may give false results.

Other Studies for Central Sleep Apnea.

If you have central sleep apnea, you will be required to undergo some further tests to diagnose the underlying cause. Such tests will be

• Blood tests.
• Ct scan of brain or brain MRI.
• EEG studies (for brain).
• EMG studies for nerve conduction of electrical impulses.

Related posts:

1. Apnea and Sleep Apnea – A Dangerous Sleep Disorder.
2. Sleep Apnea Symptoms and Signs.
3. Effects and Complications of Sleep Apnea.
4. CPAP Machine for Sleep Apnea.
5. Surgery Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
6. Sleep Apnea Equipment – Oral and Dental Devices.
7. UPPP – Sleep Apnea Surgery.
8. How Do You Get Sleep Apnea.