Service details
Procedure details and treatment flow
Sleep apnea is a frequent breathing disorder during sleep, where one or more pauses in breathing occur that last longer than 10 seconds. The most common reason for cessation of breathing is the closing of the upper airways during sleep (obstructive sleep apnea), while a significantly smaller number of patients stop breathing due to the absence of impulses from the central nervous system (central apnea).
Patients who suffer from sleep apnea are usually obese people who snore, often wake up at night, cough and sleep restlessly. Although snoring in itself does not mean the existence of this disorder, it is still an alarm to go to the doctor.
Important note: Worryingly, 5% of the general population has this problem, which is often undiagnosed. In patients who struggle with arterial hypertension, and whose therapy works poorly, the occurrence of sleep apnea is incredible 50%. Early detection of risk factors is especially important for professional drivers due to their daily tasks.
The most common symptoms and risk factors
Symptoms:
- Snoring
- Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
- Restlessness during sleep, frequent night awakenings
- Waking up feeling short of breath
- Dry mouth or sore throat after waking up
- Cognitive impairment (concentration, forgetfulness)
- Mood disorders (depression, anxiety)
- Night sweats and frequent urination
- Sexual dysfunction and headaches
Risk factors:
- Obesity and neck circumference > 43 cm
- Associated heart diseases
- Other diseases (COPD, type 2 diabetes, stroke...)
- Use of antidepressants and sleeping pills
- Alcohol use and smoking
- Predominantly sleeping on the back
- Craniofacial abnormalities
- Previous surgically treated trauma
How is it diagnosed and treated?
U Poliklinika Joković sleep apnea is diagnosed by polygraphy at home using a special device. The device allows obtaining precise results for determining the AHI index and further treatment.
Treatment: In milder cases, weight reduction and abstinence from alcohol and tobacco are sufficient. If these measures do not lead to improvement or the disease is of a more severe degree, non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in CPAP mode must be applied during the night. This device delivers air under positive pressure and keeps the airway open.
Pulmonology at the Poliklinika Joković
In addition to sleep apnea, we diagnose and treat: bronchial asthma, COPD, interstitial and inflammatory lung diseases, as well as lung tumors.
Diagnostic methods: Spirometry (with bronchodilation test), skin tests for allergens, pulse oximetry, bronchoscopy, polygraphy.
Our team of doctors:
- Prof. Dr Zorica Lazić (internist - pulmonologist)
- Asst. Dr Vojislav Ćupurdija (internist - pulmonologist)
- Dr Nikola Arskovski (internist - bronchologist)
Sleep apnea quiz: assess your risk
Reply with "yes" or "no" to the following questions (each "Yes" is 1 point):
1. Are you male?
2. Are you over 50?
3. Is your body mass index (BMI)* greater than 35 kg/m²?
4. Is the circumference of your neck greater than 40 cm?
5. Do you snore loudly (to be heard through closed doors)?
6. Do you often feel tired, exhausted or sleepy during the day?
7. Has anyone noticed that you have pauses in your breathing during sleep?
8. Do you have or are you being treated for high blood pressure?
*BMI = Divide your weight in kg by your height in meters, then divide the result by your height again.
What does your score mean?
0-2 points: Low risk of apnea
3-4 points: Moderate risk of apnea
5-8 points: High risk of apnea
Tip: If you are at medium or high risk, or have morning headaches, memory problems, irritability, dry mouth on waking or frequent trips to the toilet during the night - it is recommended to make an appointment with your doctor.