Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder that is often under recognised. It is usually caused by either a complete or partial collapse of the upper airway (also known as the pharynx) during sleep. This can result in a fall in oxygen levels in the bloodstream, which leads to a brief interruption of sleep allowing the airways to reopen and normal breathing to start again. This can happen many times during sleep. Snoring and episodes of apnoea (stopping breathing) are often reported by partners or family members.
A common risk factor for developing OSA is being overweight. However, you do not have to be overweight to have OSA. In some cases, OSA can occur even in those who are not overweight and can be influenced by other factors such as age and facial/jaw structure.
OSA can cause people to feel tired and unrefreshed when they wake up and excessively sleepy during the day. Patients often describe themselves having poor concentration, irritability and unintentionally falling asleep. These often result in poor work productivity and an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents. OSA can potentially increase risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease and strokes in the future if left untreated.
An overnight sleep study is needed to confirm the diagnosis of OSA. If you are encountering any of these symptoms, speak to your GP about having a sleep study or to see one of our specialists here at Sydney West Respiratory and Sleep Centre. Click here to learn more about sleep studies.
To expedite your diagnostic process, please download and complete the questionnaire (Berlin Questionnaire, STOP-BANG Questionnaire, OSA-50 Questionnaire and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale), and forward the results to us, along with a referral from your general practitioner or specialist. If you meet the Medicare criteria for a home diagnostic sleep test due to the high pre-test probability of having obstructive sleep apnoea, you may be offered a home diagnostic sleep study prior to an appointment with a specialist.
Whether or not you qualified for a home diagnostic sleep study prior to a specialist assessment, you will always be offered an appointment to see one of our specialists at Sydney West Respiratory and Sleep Centre, either to discuss the different options of investigations for your sleep disorder or discussion of the home diagnostic sleep study result and to come up with an individualised treatment plan tailored to your personal circumstances, in consultation with you and your preference. If treatment has been recommended, further treatment testing maybe required, to ensure the efficacy of the therapy in treating the condition.
