Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects many people worldwide. It causes your breathing to stop and start while you’re sleeping, which can lead to severe health consequences if untreated. But how exactly is sleep apnea diagnosed by professionals? Here’s an insight.
Medical History Review
The first step in diagnosing sleep apnea involves the review of your medical history. Here, the professional will ask about your sleep patterns, the sounds you produce when asleep, and any other related symptoms. Any medical conditions present may also be discussed, and your lifestyle, including your diet and physical exercise, will be evaluated.
Physical Examination
A physical examination follows the medical history review. During this procedure, a professional will assess your throat, nasal passages, and neck to check for any physical signs that may suggest sleep apnea. This step may involve the use of a light and a mirror to look down your throat.
Sleep Study Procedures
The next key step in the diagnosis of sleep apnea is a sleep study, often referred to as a polysomnography. This procedure involves spending a night at a sleep center where professionals monitor your sleep patterns. They record brain waves, heart rate and rhythm, eye and leg movements, and blood oxygen levels during sleep.
Home Sleep Apnea Testing
Aside from polysomnography, some patients undergo home sleep apnea testing. Here, you will use portable monitoring devices that measure your heart rate, blood oxygen level, airflow, and breathing patterns. If the results indicate the presence of sleep apnea, you might need further studies in a sleep center.
Result Interpretation
After the sleep studies, a professional will interpret the results. If sleep apnea is present, its severity is determined based on the frequency of breathing interruptions per hour. Five to fifteen interruptions an hour indicate mild sleep apnea, fifteen to thirty interruptions suggest moderate sleep apnea, while more than thirty interruptions signify severe sleep apnea.
Other Diagnostic Procedures
In some cases, additional tests may be recommended to help professionals make a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. This can include an electrocardiogram to check for heart irregularities, or a thyroid function test to evaluate thyroid hormone levels.
Follow-Up Care
Being diagnosed with sleep apnea means receiving treatment is required to manage the symptoms and the complications associated with the condition. Follow-up care is hence very important, especially if you are using an oral appliance. Check oral appliance follow-up care in Kansas City, MO for comprehensive professional care, and manage your sleep apnea effectively.
Conclusion
Sleep apnea diagnosis involves a multi-step process that includes physical examination, sleep studies and data interpretation. This process enables healthcare professionals to recommend the most appropriate treatment to manage and alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea. Remember, effective treatment begins with accurate diagnosis, so ensure you consult with a professional if you suspect you have sleep apnea.