Snoring, often the first sign of Sleep Disordered breathing, should be investigated. Snoring is a symptom of Sleep Disorder Breathing and is very common. Snoring may be a significant piece of a Sleep Apnoea presentation for many people, which can pose a significant health burden, unless investigated thoroughly.
All symptoms of Sleep Disordered breathing, including Snoring, Day Time Sleepiness, unexplained raised Blood Pressure, along with several other associated symptoms of Sleep Disordered breathing, should be investigated.
A definitive diagnosis requires:
• Objective recording and measurement of Overnight Sleep and Breathing
A full assessment of daytime poor sleep related symptoms, snoring and night-time symptoms should be assessed in detail, with a Respiratory Consultant. This step is central to accurate diagnostics in all patients, concerned by symptoms of suspected Sleep Disordered Breathing www.beacondentalsleep.ie The most common disorder, Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), affects 5% of the population.
Diagnosing Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) on clinical features alone has many limitations. Overnight polysomnography (PSG) is indicated for measuring sleep/wake status and many other respiratory parameters. A Home Sleep Test may also be prescribed by a Respiratory Consultant, to categorise symptoms and clarify any potential sleep disordered breathing diagnosis.
Either test will assist in the clarification of symptoms and diagnosis. Detailed assessment of the findings will inform the next step, where a referral for treatment to manage symptoms may include Oral Appliance Therapy or C.P.A.P. ( Continuous Positive Airways Pressure contingent on the test findings. Further respiratory investigations, dependent on patient presenting symptoms and findings, may be required. Beacon Dental Sleep Medicine Clinic provides all patient services associated with early diagnosis, symptom management and all the treatment options for presenting symptoms of Sleep Disordered Breathing, including
snoring www.beacondentalsleep.ie.
In Summary, a comprehensive Respiratory Assessment for Sleep Disordered Breathing, using PSG (Hospital Sleep Testing), Polygraphy and Oximetry (measurement of Oxygen) is important for diagnosing all symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), including Snoring, Nighttime wakefulness, including insomnia and managing comorbidities, for example Asthma or Chronic respiratory illnesses. Insomnia, as mentioned, may form part of the Sleep Disordered Breathing presentation and can be separately managed as part of our clinical services in the Beacon Dental Sleep Medicine Clinic www.beacondentalsleep.ie
Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improves Respiratory and Health outcomes.
For further information, please email:
or call 01 5310088
Click here to download the Beacon Dental Sleep Patient Brochure
