Question:
What's the difference between a sleep study and a pulmonary eval?

My surgeon requires a pulmonary evaluation before he submits a request to insurance for approval. I've had a sleep study done and they found no significant signs of sleep apnea or airway obstruction. Is this the same or equal to a pulmonary evaluation? I'm totally ignorant on medical procedures, so forgive me if it's an obvious answer. :) Thanks!    — Shayna T. (posted on September 13, 2004)

September 13, 2004
Hi, To answer Your question A Pulmonary evaluation or PFT's measures the amount of oxygen in your lungs Lung density and how much of your lungs are functioning in general, A Sleep Study Is when someone goes to sleep and sometimes they forget to breathe or it was also explained to me that when a heavy person or lets say chubby cheeks go to sleep the pressure of the skin causes a heavines on the airway and closes it off. Therefore lack of oxygen while sleeping. I know there are better ways of explaining I just can't so i hope this will do. :)
   — Shell G

September 13, 2004
My pulmonary evaluation consisted of, a chest xray, a few simple questions about breathing, and a breath test (huffing and puffing, and blowing into a straw thing). Therefore they can tell the condition of your lungs, and how much of your lungs you use. The sleep study, they hook you up to a cazillion wires, you lay down and go to sleep for the night, you are monitored all night long, letting them know how and when you sleep and if you quit breathing during your sleep, if you nose breathe or mouth breathe when you sleep, which is quite common in obese people. Write me if you would like further details, I will be happy to oblidge.
   — Donna Y.

September 13, 2004
The sleep test determines whether or not you have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can complicate surgery, because the anesthesia causes your throat muscles to become relaxed, which is not a good thing for someone who already has a narrow airway. The pulmonary evaluation will help determine whether or not your lungs have the capacity to fight off things like pneumonia, expecially because the left lung may partially collapse during surgery. Basically, most people go through both tests so that the doctors know what they are working with and can best treat you while you are both awake and asleep, keeping you complication-free.
   — [Deactivated Member]