Not all snoring is a sign of sleep apnea, but for many people, it’s one of the earliest red flags. Because sleep apnea can have serious long term health consequences, getting an accurate diagnosis is essential.

At her Carrollton practice, Dr. Tejal Kakade helps patients in Carrollton, Villa Rica, and surrounding areas identify whether their symptoms are caused by sleep apnea or another condition. By combining a thorough in-office evaluation with advanced testing, she ensures patients get the answers, and the relief they need.

How Sleep Apnea is Diagnosed

Your diagnosis will typically begin with a detailed symptom review and health history. If sleep apnea is suspected, you may be referred for a sleep study to monitor your breathing and other body functions during the night. These studies can take place in a sleep lab or, in many cases, in the comfort of your own home.

Common diagnostic methods include:

• Polysomnography (PSG): The gold standard sleep study, monitoring brain activity, eye movement, heart rate, muscle activity, airflow, respiratory effort, and blood oxygen levels.
• Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT): A more simplified test for straightforward cases, tracking breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and heart rate overnight.

Sleep apnea doesn’t just leave you tired, it can also affect brain health. Because it disrupts deep, restorative sleep, it can cause memory issues, trouble concentrating, and even increase the risk of dementia over time. Treating sleep apnea can protect both your mental sharpness and long term well being.

Additional Evaluation Methods

Along with sleep studies, your diagnosis process may include:

• Clinical Assessment: A review of your symptoms, sleep patterns, and lifestyle factors that may contribute to airway obstruction.
• Collaboration with Specialists: Referral to an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist if structural airway issues are suspected.
• Imaging or Functional Tests: CT scans, MRIs, or specialized airway function tests to detect blockages or muscle weaknesses that affect breathing during sleep.

Dr. Kakade’s Diagnostic Process

Dr. Kakade takes a personalized approach, starting with an in-depth consultation to understand your symptoms, medical history, and possible risk factors. If testing confirms sleep apnea, she will recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs. This may include:

• Custom oral appliances to reposition the jaw and keep the airway open
• Lifestyle recommendations to reduce snoring and improve breathing
• Coordination with sleep specialists for CPAP therapy or other advanced treatments if necessary

Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep

If you snore loudly, wake up tired, or experience daytime fatigue, it’s time to find out if sleep apnea is the cause. Contact our Carrollton office to schedule your evaluation and start your journey toward deeper, healthier sleep.