Diagnosis and tests for snoring

The goal of diagnosis is to tell simple snoring from sleep apnea and to find any blockage that can be treated. Many people only need a history and an examination.

History The doctor asks about how loud and how frequent the snoring is, sleeping position, alcohol, medicines, weight change, nasal symptoms and daytime sleepiness. A partner's description of pauses and gasping is very helpful. Questionnaires such as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale or STOP-BANG score are often used.

Examination

• Weight, neck size and blood pressure
• Nose: deviated septum, swollen turbinates or polyps
• Mouth and throat: tonsil size, soft palate, uvula and tongue size, jaw position
• Sometimes a flexible camera examination of the nose and throat by an ENT specialist

Sleep tests

• Home sleep apnea test: a portable device that records breathing, oxygen and snoring.
• Polysomnography: an overnight study in a sleep lab that records brain waves, breathing, heart rate and oxygen. This is the standard test.

Other tests when needed

• Blood tests for thyroid disease or anemia
• Allergy tests for nasal causes
• Imaging of the airway for unusual cases
• Drug-induced sleep endoscopy before some surgeries

Children Doctors examine the tonsils and adenoids. Sleep tests are used where needed.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive) Traditional examination (Nadi, Prakriti assessment) does not replace a sleep test and cannot diagnose sleep apnea.

When to see a doctor Go if snoring is loud, with pauses or sleepiness. Call 112 for chest pain or severe breathlessness.

Remember A sleep test is the way to separate harmless snoring from sleep apnea.