obstructive sleep apneoa

Question 1

define obstructive sleep apnoea?

Answer 1

a disease characterised by recurrent prolapse of the pharyngeal airway and apnoea (cessation of airflow for > 10 s) during sleep, followed by arousal from sleep.

Question 2

pathophysiology of obstructive sleep apnoea?

Answer 2

• Occurs due to narrowing of the upper airways because of the collapse of soft tissues of the pharynx

Question 3

risk factors leading to obstructive sleep apnoea?

Answer 3

o	Weight gain  
o	Smoking  
o	Alcohol 
o	Sedative use  
o	Enlarged tonsils and adenoids in children  
o	Macroglossia 
o	Marfan's syndrome  
o	Large tonsils

Question 4

epidemiology of obstructive sleep apnoea?

Answer 4

more common in men

Question 5

presenting symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea?

Answer 5

•	Partner reporting snoring, nocturnal apnoeic episodes 
•  
Excessive daytime sleepiness  
•	
•	Morning headaches  
•	Dry mouth  

• Irritability and mood changes

Question 6

what is a consequence of this condition?

Answer 6

• Hypertension

Question 7

what signs might be seen of obstructive sleep apnoea?

Answer 7

• Large tongue
• Enlarged tonsils
• Long or thick uvula
• Retrognathia
• Neck circumference

Question 8

what might an ABG show for someone with obstructive sleep apnoea?

Answer 8

• Compensated respiratory acidosis

Question 9

what are first line investigations into obstructive sleep apnoea?

Answer 9

• Assessment of sleepiness
o Use of the Epworth sleepiness scale
o Use of the multiple sleep latency test

Question 10

further investigations into obstructive sleep apneoa?

Answer 10

o Monitor airflow, respiratory effort, pulse oximetry and heart rate
• Bloods
o TFTs
o ABG