Assessment scales and tests for suspected COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)-OSAHS (obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome) overlap syndrome

Assessment scales and tests for suspected COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)-OSAHS (obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome) overlap syndrome

When assessing people with suspected COPD-OSAHS overlap syndrome:

• use the Epworth Sleepiness Scale in the preliminary assessment of sleepiness
• consider using the STOP-Bang Questionnaire, as well as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale

Do not use the Epworth Sleepiness Scale alone to determine if referral is needed, because not all people with COPD-OSAHS overlap syndrome have excessive sleepiness

Offer spirometry to assess the severity of COPD in people with suspected COPD-OSAHS overlap syndrome

Reference:

• NICE (August 2021). Obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome and obesity hypoventilation syndrome in over 16s