Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea is the intermittent closure and collapse of pharyngeal airway, characterised by apnoeic episodes during sleep.

Risk factors - Obesity, Male, Smoking, Alcohol, Micrognathia

Presentation:

• Daytime sleepiness (Important to ask about this, and about their occupation)

• Loud snoring

• Unrefreshing sleep

• Morning headache

• Lack of concentration

Investigations:

• Polysomnography - Reduced O2 saturation during sleep

• BP – The apnoeic episodes cause surges in systolic and diastolic pressure during the night

Management:

• Correct reversible risk factors e.g. lose weight, stop drinking, stop smoking

• CPAP – Continuous pressure to maintain airway patency

• Surgery - Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)