Abstract

PEREIRA, Adão. Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome. Arq Med [online]. 2007, vol.21, n.5-6, pp.159-173. ISSN 2183-2447.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a condition characterized by repetitive obstruction of the upper airway often resulting in oxygen desaturation and arousals from sleep. The classic manifestation is excessive sleepiness but other symptoms such as unfreshing sleep, poor concentration and fatigue are commonly reported. Other consequences of the abnormal breathing during sleep include neurocognitive dysfunction, development of cardiovascular disorders, metabolic dysfunction, and impaired quality of life. OSAS is a sleep breathing disorder that is most common in obese men over the age of 40 and obese women after menopause. The common risk factors for OSAS include obesity, enlarged tonsils and adenoids, and craniofacial abnormalities (e.g., retrognathia and micrognathia). The vast majority of OSAS cases are obese and obesity is known as a crucial risk factor. Therapeutical options include weight loss by either caloric restriction or bariatric surgery when the disease is related to obesity and other general measures (alcohol and sedatives such as benzodiazepines avoidance and smoking cessation). The application of nasal CPAP remains highly effective for the treatment of all symptoms related to all degrees of OSAS. The surgery only must be considered in selected cases.

Keywords : obstructive sleep apnea; physiopathology; epidemiology; consequences; diagnosis; treatment.

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