24 février, 2005 09:25
Snoring may not mean breathing problems
Overnight test needed to detect sleep apnea, study says
Updated: 7:31 a.m. ET Feb. 22, 2005
CHICAGO - A physical examination of the mouth and throat can’t alone identify those whose snoring signals a more serious sleep-breathing problem, researchers said on Monday.
The only sure way to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea is with an overnight test that monitors a number of things, including airflow through the nose and mouth, snoring, oxygen saturation, certain electrical activity of the brain and body position, according to doctors at Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich, Germany.
The condition, afflicting up to 4 percent of the U.S. population, causes repeated interruptions in breathing, leading to daytime sleepiness and other health consequences.
In a study published in the February issue of the Archives of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, the German researchers said they looked at 101 patients who complained that they were having snoring problems.
