Obstructive sleep apnoea

Question 1

What causes obstructive sleep apnoea?

Answer 1

Collapse of the pharyngeal airway during sleep

Question 2

What is sleep apnoea characterised by?

Answer 2

Apnoea episodes during sleep where the person will stop breathing periodically for up to a few minutes

Question 3

Name 2 risk factors for sleep apnoea

Answer 3

• Middle age
• Male
• Obesity
• Alcohol
• Smoking

Question 4

Name 2 features of sleep apnoea

Answer 4

• Apnoea episodes during sleep (reported by partner)
• Snoring
• Morning headache
• Waking up unrefreshed from sleep
• Daytime sleepiness
• Concentration problems
• Reduced oxygen saturation during sleep

Question 5

What happens first in the management of sleep apnoea?

Answer 5

Referral to an ENT specialist or a specialist sleep clinic where they can perform sleep studies (polysomnography)

Question 6

1) What is the first step in the management of sleep apnoea?
2) What is the second step in the management of sleep apnoea?

Answer 6

1) Modification of risk factors
2) CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) to maintain patency of the airway

Question 7

What scale is used for the identification of obstructive sleep apnoea?

Answer 7

Epworth