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Sleep Apnoea
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Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

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The diagnostic approach is based around the medical history and a detailed physical examination. A subjective evaluation of daytime sleepiness using the Epworth scale can be of great help in the initial assessment. However, a diagnosis cannot be reached from the medical history alone, so it is always essential to carry out a sleep study.

Polysomnography

The reference test for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea is conventional polysomnography (PSG). This study must be performed at night and provides objective data on sleep quality and quantity, the presence and type of apneas, and arterial oxygen saturation.

Respiratory polygraphy

Given the high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea, more simplified systems have been developed. One example is respiratory polygraphy, which can be performed in the hospital or at the patient's home. This is recommended in patients with a high suspicion of obstructive sleep apnoea (clinical and typical features) with no significant associated comorbidity.

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Substantiated information by:

Cristina Embid
Josep M. Montserrat Canal
M Concepción Ruiz Sánchez

Published: 16 January 2020
Updated: 16 January 2020

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