Sleep Disordered Breathing

Question 1

What causes upper airway collapse?

Answer 1

When muscles of the hyoid, tongue and palate are insufficient to counteract intraluminal pressure in airway.
More likely if airway is already narrowed (altered structure, fat accumulation, swelling) or muscle hypertrophy

Question 2

What conditions are the spectrum of SDB?

Answer 2

Snoring, Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome, Sleep Apnea Syndrome, Cheyne-Stokes Respiration.

Question 3

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

Answer 3

Excessive daytime sleepiness, witnessed apnea, snoring, choking at night, non-refreshing sleep, memory loss, decreased concentration and libido, irritability.

Question 4

What are the physical exam findings of sleep apnea?

Answer 4

Narrow pharynx (Mallonpati classification), dental malocclusion, enlarged tonsils, low ling palate, lower extremity edema, septal deviation, obesity.

Question 5

What is the treatment course for sleep apnea?

Answer 5

Sedative avoidance, smoking cessation, weight reduction, positional therapy, oxygen therapy, positive airway pressure (CPAP, BiPAP)