Obstructive Sleep Apnea Flashcards
What is obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)?
Sleep disorder characterised by recurrent episodes of obstruction of the upper airway leading to reduced/absent breathing during sleep.
OSA can lead to serious health issues if untreated.
What is the biggest risk factor for OSA?
Obesity.
Other important lifestyle risk factors include alcohol and drug use.
Which anatomical factors of the oropharynx can increase the risk of OSA?
- Thick tongue base
- Septum deviation
- Chronic congestion
These structural issues can contribute to airway obstruction.
Is OSA more common in men or women?
More common in men.
Incidence increases with age.
What is the pathophysiology of OSA?
Recurrent collapse of upper airways when sleeping causing intermittent hypoxia and hypercapnia.
This leads to disrupted sleep and various health issues.
What are the three most common symptoms of OSA?
- Waking multiple times in night
- Loud snoring and gasping
- Fatigue during daytime
Patients typically lie supine when experiencing these symptoms.
How does OSA affect daytime symptoms differently in men and women?
Women have more significant daytime-impacting symptoms than men.
This may include increased fatigue and cognitive difficulties.
What is the primary investigation method for diagnosing OSA?
Polysomnography.
This test measures brain wave activity, blood oxygen saturation, eye, and limb movements during sleep.
What is the purpose of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale?
Rates tendency of daytime sleepiness based on a list of situations.
This helps assess the impact of sleep disorders on daily functioning.
What finding is associated with OSA during polysomnography?
Repetitive arousals related to increased respiratory effort (RERAs).
These arousals indicate struggle to breathe during sleep.
How is the severity of OSA assessed?
With the Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index (AHI) score.
This score reflects the hourly rate of apnoeas and hypopneas.
What is one of the first management strategies for OSA?
Weight loss.
This can help reduce fatty deposits in the neck and tongue.
What are two non-invasive management options for OSA?
- Positional therapy
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
Positional therapy includes interventions like special pillows to prevent airway collapse.
What is the difference between CPAP and BIPAP?
CPAP provides constant pressure; BIPAP provides higher inhalation pressure and lower exhalation pressure.
BIPAP is preferred if the patient has other lung conditions or severe OSA.
Fill in the blank: If CPAP doesn’t provide adequate pressure, the preferred alternative is _______.
Auto-adjusting airway pressure (APAP).
APAP allows patients to adjust pressure levels themselves.
