Respiratory Sleep Disorders are very common conditions which pose a significant health burden, due to their potential complications.
A definitive diagnosis requires:
- Objective recording and measurement of Sleep and Breathing
A full assessment of daytime poor sleep related symptoms, night-time symptoms assessed in detail, with a Respiratory examination are central to accurate diagnostics in all patients with 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 limitations, overnight polysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard for measuring sleep/wake status and many other respiratory parameters.
A detailed Sleep Test is ordered by a Respiratory Consultant. However, if access to PSG (Hospital Sleep testing) is limited, overnight home sleep testing (HST) may be ordered by a Doctor who can assess the findings and refer the patient for further investigation and treatment, to a comprehensive Sleep Centre www.beacondentalsleep.ie.
Home Sleep Testing may be used as an alternative first-line diagnostic. Overnight oximetry is another limited tool, however provides limited useful screening information and cannot distinguish patient Obstructive and Central Respiratory events.
Identifying and treating Obstructive Sleep Apnoea in some patients with chronic pulmonary diseases like C.O.P.D. and Asthma, may reduce exacerbations (health events which make symptoms worse), while improving Sleep Quality, Patient Prognosis and overall patient quality of life.
In Summary, a comprehensive Respiratory Assessment for Sleep Disordered Breathing, using tools like PSG (Hospital Sleep Testing) Polygraphy and Oximetry, is important for diagnosing Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) and managing comorbidities, for example Asthma or Chronic respiratory illnesses.
Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve overall Respiratory and Health outcomes.
Click here to download the Beacon Dental Sleep Patient Brochure
