Question 110 of 433
What are the signs?
The short answer
Loud snoring, pauses in breathing that someone else notices, waking up gasping, morning headaches, a dry mouth, getting up often to urinate at night, and sleepiness during the day.
Women often have a different picture: insomnia, fatigue, low mood, and morning headaches with little snoring. That is one reason women are diagnosed late.
A screening tool clinicians use is called STOP-BANG; it estimates risk and does not diagnose apnea. Count one point for each:
Snoring loudly.
Tired during the day.
Observed pauses in breathing.
High blood Pressure.
Body mass index over 35.
Age over 50.
Neck circumference over 40 cm, approximately 15.7 inches, in the original tool.
Gender male.
Three or more points warrants discussion of risk and whether testing is appropriate. Symptoms or a concerning history may justify evaluation even at a lower score.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
VALIDATED SCREENING — Adults: STOP-BANG estimates risk; it does not establish apnea or exclude it at low scores.Evidence grade (draft mapping)Grade pendingPart 8, Q110 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.