The doctor will evaluate you based on your symptoms and usually send you to a sleep disorder clinic where you will be monitored overnight. Tests performed may include:
Nocturnal polysomnography is a test in which you are hooked up to a machine that monitors heart, lung and brain activity, breathing patterns, and blood oxygen levels.
Oximetry is a screening method in which a small cuff is worn on the finger to measure blood oxygen levels. This may be done at home.
Electroencephalogram monitors brain activity.
You may also be evaluated by an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) physician to examine you for throat blockages.
Treatment
Numerous treatments are available for sleep apnea including devices and surgery.
The most common device is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). This is a machine that pushes oxygen into the airway through a mask worn while sleeping. This provides adequate air pressure to keep your air passage open which prevents apnea.
Dental devices: Certain devices can be worn to open the throat by bringing the jaw forward.
As with any device, you may have to try various ones to find one that is both workable and comfortable for you.
Surgery
There are several forms of surgery that can be done to alleviate the problem of sleep apnea. Two that are performed in the doctor’s office are less invasive and less painful. However, these are not recommended for moderate to severe sleep apnea. The invasive surgical procedure involves about a month of recovery, sore throat and soft food. Clearing the throat passage way through surgery by removing tonsils and adenoids may additionally alleviate the problem.
Uvulopaltopharyngoplasty is the most common type of surgery used to treat sleep apnea. This is done under general aesthetic in the hospital and requires removal of tissue at the back and top of the throat as well as tonsils and adenoids. This surgery eliminates those tissues that would vibrate and cause snoring.
With laser assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) that is performed in the doctor’s office, shortening of the uvula is done to open the airway passage.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can be performed in the doctor’s office and uses radio frequency energy to remove tissue from the uvula, soft palate and tongue which opens the airway.