Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome – current opinions on diagnosis and treatment

Szczepan Cofta

ISSN: 1505-8409

Przewodnik Lekarza/Guide for GPs

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9/2007
vol. 10

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abstract:

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome – current opinions on diagnosis and treatment

Szczepan Cofta

Online publish date: 2007/12/06

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Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common and frequently underdiagnosed condition characterized by recurrent episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, decrease in oxygen saturation, and daytime somnolence. OSA patients have several risk factors for cardiovascular disease development, such as obesity and hypertension. Obstructive apnoeas are accompanied by recurrent hypoxia and arousals from sleep which are harmful to various systems by several pathways, such as sympathetic activation, oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction. The prevalence of OSA is in the region of 2 to 4% of the adult population. This article aims to give an overview of OSA for the clinician, including practical information concerning the diagnosis and treatment of the disease, including weight loss, relief of nasal congestion, keeping patients off their backs, nasal CPAP, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, use of mandibular-advancement devices.

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Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome – current opinions on diagnosis and treatment

Szczepan Cofta

obstructive sleep apnoea, obesity, continuous positive airway pressure, sleep, obesity-hypoventilation syndrome