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What Is an AHI (Apnea-Hypopnea Index)?
The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) is the combined average number of apneas and hypopneas that occur per hour of sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder causes irregular breathing to disrupt sleep. Breathing is disrupted in sleep apnea (OSA) when the airway becomes blocked. Throughout your sleep cycle, these disruptions occur at least five times each hour and stay longer than ten seconds. Hypopnea is the term for when your breathing slows down and you aren’t getting enough oxygen. Apnea occurs when your breathing stops entirely. The severity of obstructive sleep apnea varies. The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) is the measurement rating system on which this is based. The average number of apnea and hypopnea episodes you have each hour of sleep is measured by the AHI.
AHI has been utilized in the majority of research to assess treatment outcomes and the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In both clinical practice and research, it does not appear to be a suitable metric for assessing the severity of the condition and for deciding on a course of treatment.
What Is an AHI Used For?
The AHI score is used to select the best treatment for you if you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. Treatment options include:
- Oral appliance: This kind of mouth guard prevents your tongue from obstructing your airways by holding it down. For mild to severe cases of sleep apnea, this might be a better option.
- CPAP: This device maintains your airways open while you sleep by using gentle air pressure. People with mild, moderate, or severe sleep apnea may benefit from CPAP.
- Surgery: This is typically reserved for severe cases. Options include tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils), uvulopalatopharyngoplasty
- Positional therapy: Pillows, alarm clocks, and other devices that prevent you from sleeping on your back—which exacerbates sleep apnea—may be used in this situation.
(used to open the throat), thyrohyoidopexy
- (used to reposition the tongue), and maxillomandibular expansion (used to widen the upper airways).
AHI can also be used to determine how effective a treatment is based on a comparison of your baseline results.
Summary
The average number of apnea or hypopnea episodes you have each hour of the night is measured by your AHI. You’ll get a baseline AHI score during your first sleep study. To determine the best course of therapy for you, that score will be combined with results from additional testing.
Your AHI can be determined every night by modern CPAP equipment. This might help you determine whether sleep apnea is still present. If so, your doctor can assess whether there is a medical reason or whether the machine or pressure settings are the issue.
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