DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2018.v06i12.023

Pages: 4747-4748

OSA occurs due to upper airway obstruction with shallow breathing lasting for 20- 40 seconds during sleep along with decreased blood oxygen saturation. There are various risk factors for OSA like obesity, narrow airway, hypertension, chronic sinusitis, smoking, diabetes, hypothyroidism, stroke, asthma and Craniofacial syndromes. Signs and symptoms of OSA include excessive daytime sleepiness, snoring, abrupt awakenings during sleep, sensation of sore throat, morning headache, mood changes, high blood pressure, GER and nocturia . Polysomnography is helpful for diagnosing OSA. The number of apneic events per hour is reported as the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). Management of OSA includes lifestyle changes, losing weight, regular exercise, quitting smoking & alcohol, using a nasal decongestant & avoiding sleeping on the back. Newer methods are available to overcome OSA like CPAP, BiPAP, Nasal EPAP and Auto CPAP. Untreated OSA leads to coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, aortic aneurysm, arrhythmia and glaucoma. However early diagnosis and prompt management can increase the quality of life of patients suffering from OSA.