Sleep Apnoea Flashcards
1
Q
What is obstructive sleep apnoea?
A
Intermittent closure and collapse of the pharyngeal airways during sleep.
This closure results in episodes of apnoea, which are terminated by partial arousal.
2
Q
Risk factors for sleep apnoea?
A
- Obesity
- Endocrine: acromegaly, hypothyroid.
- Drugs: BDZ, opiates, alcohol
- ENT: enlarged tonsils, adenoids, oropharyngeal deformity.
- Neuro things
> 15 episodes of apnoea during an hour is significant disease. >30 is severe apnoea
3
Q
Management of sleep apnoea
A
- Weight loss
- Alcohol and tobacco avoidance
- CPAP at night
Remove or treat any underlying disease
Inform the DVLA of diagnosis
4
Q
Important thing to convey in consultation about apnoea
A
That the patient has to inform the DVLA
