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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is It Possible To Have Low Oxygen Levels But Not Sleep Apnea?

I just had a sleep study done this past Thursday and am still waiting for my written results. I did, however, call the office today out of curiosity. I did not have the opportunity to speak with a Doctor, but spoke do the young lady that answered the phone. I am confused. She said that my score was a little bit less than what is classified sleep apnea. She also said that they were talking with the insurance company because some insurance companies will not pay for cpap unless your sleep study showed certain results. Then she followed by saying that my oxygen levels while asleep fell below 80 % several times and I was on supplemental oxygen (1%) all night. So how can I have such low oxygen readings but not have sleep apnea? Thanks in advance. My email is YYYY@YYYY .
Fri, 2 Apr 2021
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi,

Sleep apnea study is a complicated one and consists of multiple investigations like MRI Studies, induced sleep endoscopy study to find out which of the structures are loose and excision or tightening. Also, needed is pulmonary function tests, X-ray or CT scan of chest an actual evaluation also by a Pulmonologist to rule out any cause related to mid and lower airways that can cause respiratory problems.

An actual examination of nose and throat by an ENT surgeon, endoscopy of the area t see for any deviated nasal septum, hypertrophied turbinates, polyps, allergic or structural changes and get treated accordingly; may help you the best.

CPAP is the last resort in a sense that we have to know the exact cause of your complaints and correlate to the clinical, radiological and endoscopic findings to get you the best possible treatment. All the above discussion can help to know the cause of lowered oxygen levels during study.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. T. Chandrakant, General Surgeon
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Is It Possible To Have Low Oxygen Levels But Not Sleep Apnea?

Hi, Sleep apnea study is a complicated one and consists of multiple investigations like MRI Studies, induced sleep endoscopy study to find out which of the structures are loose and excision or tightening. Also, needed is pulmonary function tests, X-ray or CT scan of chest an actual evaluation also by a Pulmonologist to rule out any cause related to mid and lower airways that can cause respiratory problems. An actual examination of nose and throat by an ENT surgeon, endoscopy of the area t see for any deviated nasal septum, hypertrophied turbinates, polyps, allergic or structural changes and get treated accordingly; may help you the best. CPAP is the last resort in a sense that we have to know the exact cause of your complaints and correlate to the clinical, radiological and endoscopic findings to get you the best possible treatment. All the above discussion can help to know the cause of lowered oxygen levels during study. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. T. Chandrakant, General Surgeon