Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)

Obstructive sleep apnoea is the intermittent closure and collapse of the upper airway, leading to apnoeic episodes during sleep. Risk factors for it include Obesity, Male, Smoking, Alcohol, Micrognathia (small jaw), and NMD.

Patients present with:

• Daytime sleepiness - Important to ask this in a hx!

• Snoring

• Lack of concentration

• Irritability

• Unrefreshing sleep

Investigation - Polysomnography, which measures the physiological parameters while the patient is sleeping

Management:

• Correct reversible risk factors e.g. weight loss, stop smoking, drink less in the evening (has a sedative effect)

• CPAP (to maintain a patent airway) if no improvement