Sleep Apnoea Flashcards
What is obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome?
recurrent episodes of upper airway obstruction leading to apnoea during sleep.
How do sleep apnoea patients feel?
patients feel that they have unrefreshing sleep and they suffer from daytime somnolence /sleepiness & poor daytime concentration
Anatomically, where is the obstruction in sleep apnoea patients?
between the soft palate (base of the tongue) and the posterior pharyngeal wall.
Briefly explain the pathophysiology of sleep apnoea
During sleep, all of the pharyngeal muscles are relaxed. If the person naturally has a narrow pharynx and they are overweight, the airway will become very narrow.
During inspiration, there is a transient negative pressure within the upper airway that draws the tissues together.
How long must an an airway obstruction must last for before it is classified as an apnoea?
> 10 seconds
What is an obstruction that lasts for less than 10 seconds defined as?
hypopnoea.
What does an apnoea/ hypopnoeic episode cause?
Microarousal
What is the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea?
2% adult men and 1% adult women approx.
What is the diagnostic process associated with obstructive sleep apnoea?
- Clinical history and examination.
- Epworth Questionnaire.
- Overnight sleep study
What 2 things are used in a sleep study?
- Pulse oximetry
2. full polysomnography
How is the severity of obstructive sleep apnoea graded?
Normal= 0-5 desaturations
Mild= 5-15 desaturations
Moderate= 15-30 desaturations
Severe= >30 desaturations
How is sleep apnoea treated?
- Reduce weight
- Avoid alcohol
- Diagnose and treat endocrine disorders
- CPAP
- Mandibular repositioning splint
Should sleep apnoea patients inform the DVAL of their condition?
Yes
