Did you know that Clinique GO™ offers in-home services for the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea? This health condition can have serious and even life-threatening consequences for those affected. Unfortunately, the path to managing sleep apnea can seem daunting. What if you called on our team to take advantage of a complete and personalized assistance during each step of the process? We’ll tell you more about it in the following.
Sleep apnea: how to recognize this condition?
Sleep apnea refers to pauses in breathing during sleep, which can occur dozens or even hundreds of times a night. These are caused by a relaxation of the muscles of the pharynx, which then block the passage of air. It is this phenomenon that causes pauses in breathing.
These pauses are of course noticed by the partner of the person suffering from apnea. The partner may also notice loud snoring.
The person himself/herself may experience the effects of sleep deprivation due to the frequent awakenings that occur when he/she is short of air because of breathing pauses. This can lead to irritability and headaches. Fatigue can also be important during the day and affect concentration. Secondly, sleep apnea can lead to erectile dysfunction and a decrease in libido.
Associated risks
It is essential to manage sleep apnea. Indeed, this health condition can cause many problems, such as:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness, which can affect performance at work or school, as well as the ability to drive a vehicle.
- Accidents at work or on the road, caused by fatigue.
- High blood pressure. The heart has to work harder to pump blood and oxygenate the body.
- An increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.
- Problems with memory and concentration.
- Heart failure.
Home diagnosis of sleep apnea with respiratory polygraphy
In order to improve the quality of life of a person with sleep apnea and to prevent the risk of complications, it is important to seek help in managing this condition and its effects.
To diagnose sleep apnea, a respiratory polygraphy is required. This test consists of sleeping while connected to a machine that takes several important measurements, including heart rate and respiratory parameters. Based on the data collected, a diagnosis can be made and treatment for management can be determined.
The management process
With Clinique GO™, it is possible to have a polygraph performed at home, while being supervised by a specially trained respiratory therapist. Here are the steps:
- Access the free consultation form to request an evaluation of your symptoms. The test can then be scheduled.
- Obtain a prescription from a general practitioner for the polygraph.
- The telephone appointment with the respiratory therapist is scheduled. A questionnaire is then completed and the polygraph is scheduled for pick-up.
- Once the device is in your hand, you will receive a video that explains the installation and operation of the device, as well as the steps of the test.
- The polygraph can then be performed during a normal night’s sleep, at home.
- The respiratory therapist analyzes the test results.
- A pneumologist interprets the results of the polygraphy and communicates them to you during a telephone appointment (this step is covered by the RAMQ).
What happens next?
Based on the results of the polygraphy, the respirologist will determine the modalities necessary to manage the sleep apnea. In many cases, this includes the use of a CPAP (positive airway pressure) machine. By delivering a continuous flow of air to the airway, CPAP helps keep it clear during sleep, thus preventing apnea. The use of the device can be combined with lifestyle changes aimed at reducing the factors that contribute to sleep apnea.
Clinique GO™ respiratory therapists can then make the necessary adjustments to the polygraph, throughout the course of treatment. Follow-ups are recommended to take advantage of effective treatment as the condition progresses.
It is important to note that the testing and purchase (or rental) of a CPAP machine may be covered by private insurance. To learn more about the process involved in diagnosing and managing sleep apnea, request a free consultation now by filling out the form available here on our website.
Approuvé par Francis Desjardins
