Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (2)

Question 1

What is this?

What are its risk factors?

How does it present?

Answer 1

➊ Intermittent closure and collapse of pharyngeal airway, characterised by apnoeic episodes during sleep

➋ Obesity, Male, Smoking, Alcohol, Micrognathia

➌ • Daytime sleepiness (Important to ask about this, and about their occupation)
• Loud snoring
• Unrefreshing sleep
• Morning headache
• Lack of concentration

Question 2

What are the investigations to do? What results would be expected?

What’s the 1st line in managing?
→ What is the next step? How does it work?

What is the surgical option?

Answer 2

➊ • Polysomnography - Reduced O2 saturation during sleep
• BP – The apnoeic episodes cause surges in systolic and diastolic pressure during the night

➋ Correct reversible risk factors e.g. lose weight, stop drinking, stop smoking – 1st line
→ CPAP – Continuous pressure to maintain airway patency

➌ Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)