Advanced Pulmonary Critical Care evaluates and treats patient diagnosed with or suspected as having sleep disorders that affect breathing. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most well understood of these conditions. OSA develops due to decreased air flow over the tongue and under the soft palate. The person the OSA is often unaware of the problem because it occurs during sleep. Snoring is often the complaint (from the roommate) that brings the patient ton our attention.
OSA can be a serious condition that needs ton be thoroughly investigated and treated. After a complete examination, an overnight test called a Polysomnogram (PSG) is needed. These are most often performed in a Certified Sleep Center at overnight. Sometimes a Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT) may be ordered instead.
The results of the PSG or HSAT will be reviewed in the office with the patient and if OSA is severe, a second study for CPAP Titration will be ordered. CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Air Pressure, which is applied by a mask on or under the nose or sometimes over the nose and mouth. The purpose of this second study is to determine what type and settings for CPAP are needed.
Occasionally (about 15%) a patient may have both PSG and CPAP Titration completed in one night. Once the CPAP has been tested, a prescription for a home CPAP machine will be provided.