Diagnosis of sleep apnea, pulmonology, lung treatment, sleep disorders

Diagnosis of sleep apnea is the process of identification and assessment of sleep disorders characterized by periodic cessation of breathing during sleep. This disorder can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and an increased likelihood of accidents due to daytime sleepiness. Sleep apnea is most often characterized by snoring, disturbed sleep and waking up with a feeling of suffocation or lack of air.

Diagnostics includes various methods, including clinical interviews, questionnaires and polysomnography – detailed measurement of various physiological parameters during sleep, such as breathing, blood oxygen level, heart rate and brain activity. Proper diagnosis of sleep apnea is essential for choosing the appropriate therapy and improving the quality of life of sufferers, thereby reducing the risks of complications associated with this disorder.

Diagnosis of sleep apnea is performed through several steps in order to precisely identify this sleep disorder. First, the doctor talks to the patient to gather information about symptoms such as snoring, frequent awakenings during the night and sleepiness during the day. A questionnaire is often used to assess symptoms.

One of the key diagnostic methods is polysomnography, which can be performed in a sleep laboratory or at home with the help of portable equipment. This test measures breathing, blood oxygen levels, heart rate, eye movements and brain activity during sleep.

Diagnosis is important because sleep apnea can significantly affect the quality of sleep and the health of patients, increasing the risk of complications such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Proper diagnosis enables doctors to recommend adequate therapies, which improves the quality of life of sufferers and reduces the risk of serious health problems.

The duration of the examination for the diagnosis of sleep apnea can vary depending on the method used. Polysomnography, which is the most common method, usually lasts the whole night, because the patient's activity is measured during different stages of sleep. The test is usually started when the patient goes to sleep, and lasts about 7 to 8 hours, depending on the individual sleep rhythm.

In some cases, portable devices for measuring breathing at home can also be used, which also monitor similar parameters. These tests are usually performed overnight, but the patient may undergo additional tests if necessary.

Finally, the diagnostic process may include several consultations with a doctor before and after the test, which may extend the total duration of the diagnostic. Basically, the whole process of diagnosing sleep apnea can last from a few days to a week, including the analysis of the results and the planning of therapy.