Diagnosis of sleep apnea does not depend solely on what the patient reports. The doctor invariably recommends an apnea test before therapy is initiated. Why is this examination necessary? What kind of other information is the doctor looking for other than what the patient reports? These are relevant questions any patient would ask.
Reason why the doctor insists
Therapy selected for treating the condition is based on two facets of the illness: the cause of obstruction in the respiratory tract and the severity of the condition.
The examination is one of the most authentic as well as objective diagnostic tools that reveal useful information on these areas. When a patient reports the sleep apnea symptoms, it is bound to be subjective in nature. Instead of relying on such subjective data, doctor puts his or her faith in more objective information that medically confirms the condition.
Moreover, this kind of procedure studies several physical and physiological parameters during sleep, which otherwise would have remained unknown. For instance it studies limb and eye movements during sleep; brain waves, heart rate, snoring loudness, records activities like seizures, sleep walking, etc; oxygen levels in blood and more.
Results from such a diagnostic study, also known as polysomnogram examination, overnight sleep study, etc, inform the doctor regarding the type of sleep disorder the patient is suffering from as well as the seriousness of the condition.
Rationale of therapy
Restoration of normal breathing is every doctor's aim. For managing mild to moderate conditions, doctors recommend CPAP therapy or Continuous Positive Air Pressure that provides artificial ventilation. Other recommendations include obesity control, changing sleeping position, raising pillow height, giving up alcohol, etc.
For patients who do not prefer the use of breathing devices there are several CPAP alternatives like steroid nasal sprays; nasal decongestants containing oxymetazoline and neosynephrine; drugs like modanifil or armodanifil or using dental sleep apnea devices like mouth guards, etc.
Surgery is imminent when condition is severe. Some common surgeries performed include genioglossus advancement; mandibular myotomy, tracheotomy, uvulo-palato-pharyngoplasty (UPPP), laser assisted uvuloplasty (LAUP), hyoid suspension; maxillomandibular surgery; and bariatric surgery.
Same sign but different illness
Excessive daytime sleepiness, one of the tell-tale features of sleep apnea, may also mean other sleep disorders like hypersomnia, etc. How do you know what condition you are suffering from? While the test is one way to know it, the other option is to look at the age of onset. Sleep apnea normally affects an individual around 50 years of age; hypersomnolence that way, sets in much earlier.
It is also one of the primary narcolepsy symptoms. But this disorder is characterized by sudden sleep attacks. This does not happen when you are affected with sleep apnea.
Conclusion
Sleep apnea can actually be diagnosed and early therapy initiated provided you are ready with the results of an apnea test. Ask for it if your doctor has not yet recommended it. It is for your own good.
Reason why the doctor insists
Therapy selected for treating the condition is based on two facets of the illness: the cause of obstruction in the respiratory tract and the severity of the condition.
The examination is one of the most authentic as well as objective diagnostic tools that reveal useful information on these areas. When a patient reports the sleep apnea symptoms, it is bound to be subjective in nature. Instead of relying on such subjective data, doctor puts his or her faith in more objective information that medically confirms the condition.
Moreover, this kind of procedure studies several physical and physiological parameters during sleep, which otherwise would have remained unknown. For instance it studies limb and eye movements during sleep; brain waves, heart rate, snoring loudness, records activities like seizures, sleep walking, etc; oxygen levels in blood and more.
Results from such a diagnostic study, also known as polysomnogram examination, overnight sleep study, etc, inform the doctor regarding the type of sleep disorder the patient is suffering from as well as the seriousness of the condition.
Rationale of therapy
Restoration of normal breathing is every doctor's aim. For managing mild to moderate conditions, doctors recommend CPAP therapy or Continuous Positive Air Pressure that provides artificial ventilation. Other recommendations include obesity control, changing sleeping position, raising pillow height, giving up alcohol, etc.
For patients who do not prefer the use of breathing devices there are several CPAP alternatives like steroid nasal sprays; nasal decongestants containing oxymetazoline and neosynephrine; drugs like modanifil or armodanifil or using dental sleep apnea devices like mouth guards, etc.
Surgery is imminent when condition is severe. Some common surgeries performed include genioglossus advancement; mandibular myotomy, tracheotomy, uvulo-palato-pharyngoplasty (UPPP), laser assisted uvuloplasty (LAUP), hyoid suspension; maxillomandibular surgery; and bariatric surgery.
Same sign but different illness
Excessive daytime sleepiness, one of the tell-tale features of sleep apnea, may also mean other sleep disorders like hypersomnia, etc. How do you know what condition you are suffering from? While the test is one way to know it, the other option is to look at the age of onset. Sleep apnea normally affects an individual around 50 years of age; hypersomnolence that way, sets in much earlier.
It is also one of the primary narcolepsy symptoms. But this disorder is characterized by sudden sleep attacks. This does not happen when you are affected with sleep apnea.
Conclusion
Sleep apnea can actually be diagnosed and early therapy initiated provided you are ready with the results of an apnea test. Ask for it if your doctor has not yet recommended it. It is for your own good.
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