Understanding Sleep Apnea: How Pulmonologist Diagnose and Treat It

1. Understanding Sleep Apnea: How Pulmonologist Diagnose and Treat It

2. What is Sleep Apnea? • A common sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. • These interruptions, called apneas or hypopneas, can last for seconds to minutes and occur many times an hour. • Leads to reduced oxygen levels and fragmented, poor-quality sleep.

3. Types of Sleep Apnea • Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common form, caused by a physical blockage of the airway, usually when the throat muscles relax. • Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. • Complex Sleep Apnea (or Treatment-Emergent Central Sleep Apnea): A combination of OSA and CSA.

4. Recognizing the Symptoms • Loud, chronic snoring • Episodes of breathing cessation during sleep, witnessed by others • Abrupt awakenings accompanied by choking or gasping • Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia) • Morning headaches • Difficulty concentrating and memory problems

5. Diagnosis: The Pulmonologist's Role • Pulmonologists are specialists in respiratory and sleep disorders. • They begin with a thorough medical history and physical examination. • Discussion of symptoms, sleep patterns, and lifestyle factors. • Assessment of risk factors like obesity, age, and certain medical conditions. • Referral for diagnostic sleep studies.

6. The Gold Standard: Sleep Studies • Polysomnography (PSG) is the most comprehensive sleep study. • Monitors brain waves, eye movements, muscle activity, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and breathing patterns. • Can be performed in a sleep lab or, in some cases, at home (home sleep apnea test - HSAT). • Results help determine the severity and type of sleep apnea (e.g., Apnea-Hypopnea Index - AHI).

7. Treatment: Lifestyle Modifications • Weight loss: Losing even a small amount of weight can significantly improve OSA symptoms. • Positional therapy: Avoiding sleeping on your back can help keep the airway open. • Avoiding alcohol and sedatives: These can relax throat muscles and worsen apnea. • Smoking cessation: Smoking can increase inflammation and fluid in the upper airway.

8. Treatment: Medical Interventions • CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure): The most common and effective treatment. A machine delivers pressurized air through a mask to keep the airway open. • APAP (Auto-adjusting Positive Airway Pressure): Adjusts pressure levels automatically based on breathing. • BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure): Delivers different pressures for inhalation and exhalation, often for more severe cases or those who can't tolerate CPAP. • Oral Appliances: Custom-fitted mouthguards that reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open. Consult Best Pulmonology Treatment Hospital in Hisar.

9. Partner with Experts for Better Sleep • Don't let sleep apnea impact your health, relationships, or daily life. • Sarvesh Health city provides comprehensive diagnosis and personalized treatment plans for sleep disorders. • We are dedicated to helping you achieve restful sleep and a healthier life. • Your Best Pulmonology Treatment Hospital in Hisar.

10. Thank You • Head Office - Sarvesh Health City Site No. 1, Sector 14, Hisar– 125001 (Haryana) • HAVE A QUESTION ? CALL US NOW ENQUIRY NUMBER:-+91 6901 626262 EMERGENCY NUMBER:-+91 6901 636363 • EMAIL: INFO@SARVESHHEALTHCITY.COM