Apnea Sleep Tests
Sleep ApneaHave you had an apnea sleep test? If not you may need one as it is important for you and your doctor to learn whether your apnea is mild, moderate or severe. This article describes 5 apnea sleep tests that can tell how severe your problem is, and what to expect if you are required to take one. Be sure to read through to the end of this article so you will not miss any of this vital information.
Difficult to Diagnose
Because there are so many different symptoms associated with sleep apnea, which overlap other health conditions, it can sometimes be difficult to diagnose and may require an apnea sleep test to make a definitive diagnosis. There are several tests available for doctors to use when diagnosing apnea, choosing one or more after an evaluation of the individual patient's symptoms.
What To Expect
After a close evaluation of your symptoms, your physician may refer you to a sleep disorder center where a sleep specialist will further evaluate your symptoms or he may prescribe a home test. Tests conducted to diagnose more severe cases of sleep apnea typically require an overnight stay at the sleep disorder center where your breathing and other bodily functions receive constant monitoring and recording.
What Are The Different Apnea Sleep Tests?
* Portable cardiorespiratory testing - this is a rather simplified test that can be conducted in the privacy of your home. The test will measure airflow and breathing patterns during the course of sleep.
* Oximetry - this apnea test will monitor and record measurements of both airflow and breathing patterns found in blood oxygen levels tracked via a small sleeve placed on the finger. If a patient has apnea, test results will show a rise and fall in their blood oxygen levels, a fall during sleep and a rise upon waking.
* Nocturnal polysomnography - with this apnea test, a myriad of bodily functions receive close monitoring and recording while you sleep. Levels of oxygen in the blood stream and breathing patterns along with brain, lung, and heart activity are among those tested.
Other Specializing Physicians
In addition to an apnea sleep test, your doctor may refer you to one of several other specializing physicians. An otolaryngologist, a specialist in the field of ear, nose and throat medicine will check for potential blockages in the nose and throat. A cardiologist will evaluate the heart to make sure it is functioning properly and a neurologist will look for underlying neurological conditions that may contribute to apnea such as a stoke, polio, or a degenerative brain disorder.
Douglas Hanna is a free lance writer who has written on a wide range of topics, including sleep apnea cures, sleep apnea treatment and sleep apnea and the power of tea.