Red flags & when to go in person for Sleep Apnea (Suspected) - Screening

Audience: adult

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops or becomes very shallow during sleep. It can cause poor sleep quality, daytime tiredness, and other health problems. If you think you might have sleep apnea, telemedicine can help you start the screening process by discussing symptoms and risk factors with a healthcare provider. However, some signs mean you should see a healthcare provider in person for further tests and care. This guide explains when to seek in-person care, what telemedicine can and cannot do for sleep apnea screening, and how to prepare for your telemedicine visit. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful first step but does not replace a full diagnosis or treatment plan from an in-person healthcare professional.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe daytime sleepiness causing accidents or inability to stay awake — seek urgent medical care immediately.
• Observed breathing pauses or choking during sleep — arrange prompt in-person evaluation.
• Sudden chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or stroke symptoms (weakness, confusion, speech difficulty) — call emergency services without delay.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom discussion and risk assessment for suspected sleep apnea.
• Providing education about sleep apnea and lifestyle advice.
• Determining if further in-person testing or specialist referral is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing sleep studies or physical examinations.
• Diagnosing sleep apnea definitively.
• Managing severe symptoms or emergencies related to sleep apnea.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing stops or becomes very shallow repeatedly during sleep. This can cause poor sleep quality and tiredness during the day. It often goes undiagnosed because symptoms happen during sleep and may not be obvious to the person affected.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

Common signs of sleep apnea include loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, frequent awakenings, daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating. If you or a bed partner notice these symptoms, it may be time to seek medical advice.

When to Use Telemedicine for Sleep Apnea Screening

Telemedicine can help you discuss your symptoms, medical history, and risk factors with a healthcare provider. This can be a convenient first step to determine if further evaluation is needed. Providers may guide you on lifestyle changes or recommend testing based on your information.

Red Flags That Require In-Person Care

Certain signs need urgent in-person evaluation. These include:

If you experience these, seek emergency or urgent care immediately.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your telemedicine appointment:

What Happens After Your Telemedicine Visit?

Your provider may recommend a sleep study or refer you to a sleep specialist for in-person testing. They might also suggest lifestyle changes like weight management or avoiding alcohol before bed. Follow-up appointments may be needed to review test results and discuss treatment options.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Record your typical sleep patterns and symptoms, including snoring and daytime tiredness.
• Ask a bed partner to note any breathing pauses or gasping during your sleep.
• List all current medications and health conditions.
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns about your sleep health.
• Ensure a quiet, private space with a reliable internet connection for the telemedicine visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow provider recommendations for sleep studies or specialist referrals.
• Implement any lifestyle changes suggested, such as weight loss or sleep position adjustments.
• Schedule follow-up appointments to review test results and treatment plans.
• Seek immediate care if red flag symptoms develop after the visit.
• Maintain communication with your healthcare provider about symptom changes.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose sleep apnea?

Telemedicine can help assess your symptoms and risk factors but cannot provide a definitive diagnosis. Diagnosis usually requires a sleep study done in person or at home with special equipment.

What should I do if I think I have sleep apnea but feel fine during the day?

Even if you feel fine, symptoms like loud snoring or witnessed breathing pauses should be discussed with a healthcare provider. They can help determine if further evaluation is needed.

Are there treatments for sleep apnea?

Yes, treatments include lifestyle changes, use of devices like CPAP machines to keep airways open during sleep, and sometimes surgery. Your healthcare provider can guide you based on your diagnosis.

Is sleep apnea dangerous if untreated?

Untreated sleep apnea can increase risks for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and daytime accidents due to sleepiness. Early evaluation and treatment help reduce these risks.

Sources

1. Sleep Apnea — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Sleep Apnea Information — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Sleep Apnea — Mayo Clinic.
4. Obstructive Sleep Apnea — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have severe symptoms or emergency signs, seek immediate medical care.