Obstructive sleep apnoea

Question 1

What is OSA?

Answer 1

Collapse of the pharyngeal airway that causes episodes of apnoea during sleep

Question 2

What are the risk factors for OSA?

Answer 2

Increasing age
Male sex
Obesity
Family history of OSA
Nasopharyngeal obstruction
Craniofacial abnormalities
Macroglossia
Neuromuscular disorders
Alcohol and smoking

Question 3

What are the features of OSA?

Answer 3

Episodes of apnoea during sleep
Snoring
Morning headache
Waking up unrefreshed from sleep
Daytime sleepiness
Concentration problems
Reduced oxygen saturation during sleep

Question 4

What are the primary investigations for OSA?

Answer 4

Screening questionnaire
- Epworth sleepiness scale
- OSA-50 score
Sleep studies
- Gold standard for diagnosis of OSA

Question 5

What is the management of OSA?

Answer 5

First line - CPAP (for moderate to severe OSA)

Lifestyle changes
- Weight loss
- Smoking cessation
- Reducing alcohol intake
- Avoid sleeping on back