Symptoms include loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, memory or concentration problems and waking up gasping or choking. Left untreated, this condition can lead to heart disease and depression.
Duke sleep medicine specialists diagnose this disorder with an at-home or in-lab sleep study. This test records brain activity, breathing and oxygen levels during sleep. It uses a 3 percent rule for hypopnea scoring, which broadens detection to capture more subtle interruptions in breathing that might otherwise go undetected.
Symptoms
Sleep apnea can seriously affect your quality of life. It causes snoring and a constant feeling of fatigue, which can lead to high blood pressure, heart arrhythmias and even heart failure. It also leads to accidents and poor work performance. Our team of Duke sleep medicine specialists can help you get back to a good night’s rest.
The most common type of sleep apnea Raleigh NC is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when the soft tissues in the mouth or throat collapse and block the airway. It’s also possible to have central sleep apnea, in which your brain fails to send signals to your breathing muscles.
Pulmonologists, doctors who specialize in diseases of the lungs and respiratory system, are key players when diagnosing sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea. They can conduct overnight sleep studies and recommend personalized treatment options.
Diagnosis
The most important step in identifying sleep apnea is getting a diagnosis from your doctor. Sleep apnea is a complex disorder that impacts the upper airway, cardiovascular system, and lung function. Consequently, it often requires multiple medical specialists to diagnose and treat.
Pulmonologists, doctors who specialize in respiratory diseases, including the lungs, are experts at diagnosing sleep problems like sleep apnea. They use tools like polysomnography, or a sleep study, to monitor your breathing and oxygen levels during the night. Using data from the test, they can determine whether or not you have obstructive sleep apnea or central sleep apnea.
If you think you have sleep apnea, your ear nose and throat specialist can help. They will perform a physical exam, including an evaluation of your mouth and neck, and ask you about your symptoms. They may recommend an overnight sleep study (polysomnogram) or other tests to confirm your diagnosis. These specialists can also treat your symptoms with a variety of treatments, including CPAP therapy.
Treatment
The good news is that sleep apnea can be treated, and your symptoms will be relieved as a result. The first step is to visit a sleep specialist. You can either be referred to a sleep clinic where you spend the night connected to monitoring equipment, or you can choose an at-home option that sends your sensors and equipment in the mail.
During the test, we will record your brain activity, oxygen levels and breathing patterns while you sleep. This data allows us to diagnose your sleep disorder and determine its severity.
If we discover that you have obstructive sleep apnea, your pulmonologist may recommend continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. This is the most effective treatment for this condition. For patients who are CPAP intolerant, our team offers noninvasive oral appliance therapy. This small, comfortable device shifts your lower jaw forward, opening your airway and reducing the risk of blockage. It is also an excellent choice for snorers.
Prevention
Sleep apnea is a dangerous condition that if left untreated, can cause serious health problems. It has been linked to heart problems, stroke and premature death.
If you are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea Raleigh NC, it’s important to consult with your doctor or dentist for diagnosis and treatment. Patients can be referred to a sleep clinic, where they will spend the night connected to monitors for a more accurate diagnosis. In addition, a dental professional who has experience with sleep disorders can administer take-home sleep tests for a more convenient and private diagnostic process.
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea and can affect people of any age or gender. However, it is more common in men over 40 and those who are overweight. This is due to the fact that fatty tissue and the size of the throat or jaw can reduce the size of the airway, leading to collapse when breathing in. When this occurs, a loud choking noise or snoring is heard.
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