Sleep apnea treatment? - Sleep Disorders Message Board

sarahjean · 10-26-2005, 03:42 AM

I have sleep apnea, it doesn't happen everynight to my knowledge unless I'm just drifting off to sleep and it happens then I notice but my husband has said he's seen me sleeping and then stop breathing then gasp for breath but I don't wake up when this happens. I've had it for at least the past 2 years that hubby and I have noticed.

And I was wondering when do doctors consider putting someone on the CPAP? I mean how bad does the apnea have to be? My doctor told me they don't do that until someone starts showing a lack of oxygen when awake, like there skin turning a greyish/blue colour. Is this true or should I be getting treatment straight away? Thanks!

blair · 11-01-2005, 07:19 AM

Your Doctor doesn't know what he's talking about. Even patients with severe Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), do not show signs of hypoxia when awake.

In order to be diagnosed with OSA, you have to first get referred to an appropriate specialist who can perform an over night sleep study. These investigations can be very straight forward, often simple nocturnal pulse oximetry may be all thats required. You also need to present with symptoms that would suggest OSA i.e. loud snoring, daytime tiredness, etc. The odd apnoea now & again doesn't neccessarly mean you have OSA, (apnoeas are normal) it just depends on how frequent they occurr (usually >10/hr suggest OSA).

If you feel you do present with symptoms, ask your Dr (if thats what he is), to refer you to the appropriate specialist