Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that occurs when there is an obstruction to airflow as you breathe. The condition can be severe if left untreated, so it’s essential to seek treatment from sleep apnea doctors in Martin County, MN for sleep apnea treatment.
Review of Symptoms
Sleep apnea usually occurs when the soft tissue in your throat collapses and blocks air from moving into your lungs when you breathe in—but it can also happen when other parts of your body don’t move correctly during sleep. Common symptoms include the following:
- Loud Snoring
- Interrupted Breathing While Sleeping
- Fatigue
Medical History
The first step in diagnosing sleep apnea is taking a thorough medical history. The doctor will ask about lifestyle habits, including diet, exercise routine, sleeping patterns, and whether there have been any recent changes. They’ll also need to know about any previous medical conditions or family members who have experienced similar symptoms. Finally, they’ll inquire about any medications that might affect breathing during sleep.
General Physical Exam
Diagnosing sleep apnea requires a general physical exam. Your doctor will check for signs of the condition and other conditions that might be causing or affected by it.
- An enlarged tongue can block the airway.
- You’ll have to breathe into a tube to see if you have enlarged tonsils or adenoids blocking the back of your throat.
- If you’re overweight, your doctor may suspect sleep apnea.
- If you have high blood pressure or heart problems like coronary artery disease or congestive heart failure, they could cause obstructive apnea.
Sleep Study
A sleep study is the most common way for sleep apnea doctors in Martin County, MN, to diagnose the condition. It can be done at a sleep center or at home, depending on your preference and insurance coverage. The test involves being hooked up to machines that measure your breathing and heart rate while you sleep. These machines provide information about how well you’re breathing, which gives the doctor information about your sleep patterns during the night.
If you need to see sleep apnea doctors in Martin County, MN, visit Birch Street Dentistry to learn more.
