{
  "id": 7098432,
  "title": "Study says chatbots are misdiagnosing sleep apnea, so a doctor is sharing 4 symptoms you should never ignore",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/study-says-chatbots-are-misdiagnosing-sleep-apnea-so-a-doctor-is",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-13T11:15:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tom's Guide",
    "slug": "tom-s-guide",
    "url": "https://www.tomsguide.com/wellness/sleep/study-says-chatbots-are-misdiagnosing-sleep-apnea-so-a-doctor-is-sharing-4-symptoms-you-should-never-ignore"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The European Respiratory Society's Congress has revealed that AI chatbots are unreliable when it comes to diagnosing sleep apnea, with up to a third of cases misdiagnosing the condition. Dr. Carleara Weiss, a Sleep Science Advisor for Aeroflow Sleep, warns against relying on AI for sleep disorder advice. OSA symptoms, such as snoring and fatigue, are often overlooked, leading to underdiagnosis. Untreated OSA can result in high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Study findings at the European Respiratory Society Congress in Barcelona show that AI chatbots can sometimes discourage patients from seeking specialist help, especially if patients downplay their symptoms. Out of the 4 signs of sleep apnea that should never be ignored, loud snoring, multiple nighttime awakenings, daytime sleepiness, and persistent fatigue are highlighted as key indicators. Dr. Weiss emphasizes that while AI has its uses in medical research and clinical practice, it is not a substitute for medical consultation and should never replace a professional diagnosis.",
  "summary": "Up to 80% of obstructive sleep apnea cases are thought to remain undiagnosed — Dr. Carleara Weiss explains how AI chatbots can contribute to the problem.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}