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Sleep apnea physical examination

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Saarah T. Alkhairy, M.D.

Overview

Overview

Generally, the most common signs of sleep apnea are a large waist/neck circumference and facial deformities. If sleep apnea is left untreated, signs of for pulmonale, stroke, hypoxemia, and pulmonary hypertension are evident.

Sleep Apnea Physical Examination

Sleep Apnea Physical Examination

General appearance

  • Lethargy
  • Confusion
  • Irritable
  • Sitting up and leaning forward to improve diaphragmatic breathing
  • Children may not grow at a normal rate

Vital Signs

Vital signs are generally within normal limit, but patients with severe disease may have the following vital signs:

Chest

Heart

Abdomen

Skin

ENT

  • Large neck circumference
  • Particularly prominent among men who have a collar size greater than 17 inches and women who have a collar size greater than 16 inches[1]

Extremeties

References

References

  1. Epstein LJ, Kristo D, Strollo PJ, Friedman N, Malhotra A, Patil SP; et al. (2009). “Clinical guideline for the evaluation, management and long-term care of obstructive sleep apnea in adults”. J Clin Sleep Med. 5 (3): 263–76. PMC 2699173. PMID 19960649.

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