Sleep Apnea Diagnosis

An individual that feels they are suffering from sleep apnea should consult a doctor when either they or their sleeping partner notices any of the common symptoms, especially when daytime sleepiness occurs during inappropriate or dangerous times. There are a number of medical professionals that can provide a sleep apnea diagnosis and subsequent treatments, including:

• Primary care physicians
• Internists
• Pediatricians
• Nurse practitioners
• Physician assistants
• Neurologist
• Pulmonologist
• Cardiologist
• Otolaryngologist
• Dentist

During the initial medical visit, the doctor will discuss the patient’s medical history, current symptoms and perform a physical exam. The doctor will most likely recommend the patient undergo a polysomnography, which is the most common way to determine if a patient has sleep apnea. A polysomnography, commonly called a sleep study, records electrical brain activity, eye movement, muscle activity, heart rate, breathing, air flow and blood oxygen levels while the patient is sleeping. The study is conducted at a lab and the patient must stay there for the night.

Doctors may conduct other tests as well – blood test, electrocardiogram(ECG) or echocardiogram. The blood test will check for hypothyroidism and a high red blood count, which may reveal underlying conditions causing the sleep apnea. An ECG will check to see if the heart has been affected by the lack of oxygen in the blood. An echocardiogram tests the strength of the heart based on size, thickness, shape and movement.

Cardiorespiratory testing can be performed at home to screen for sleep apnea. Cardiorespiratory testing requires airflow and breathing pattern measurements and the use of an oximeter. Oximeters are small devices that monitor and record oxygen levels while asleep. Utilizing a painless finger sleeve, an oximetry reading will show drops in oxygen during apneas and rises during awakenings. Cardiorespiratory testing does not provide an precise sleep apnea diagnosis because the oximeter is not 100 percent accurate.

If it is determined that enlarged tissues are causing the blockage some other tests may be administered for a comprehensive sleep apnea diagnosis. A fiber-optic pharyngoscopy checks the airway to determine if it is too narrow or if it collapses during breathing. A CT scan is sometimes taken of the head to look for an overly large tongue and excessive soft tissue of the neck. X-rays can be taken of the head and neck to detect blockages or bone deformities.