Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Question 1

Pathophysiology of obstructive sleep apnoea

Answer 1

Collapse of the pharyngeal airway

Question 2

Characteristics of obstructive sleep apnoea

Answer 2

Episodes of apnoea during sleep, where the person stops breathing periodically for up to a few minutes

Normally reported by partner

Question 3

Risk factors for obstructive sleep apnoea

Answer 3

Obesity 
Middle age 
Male 
Alcohol 
Smoking

Question 4

Features of obstructive sleep apnoea

Answer 4

Episodes of apnoea during sleep (reported by their partner)

Snoring

Morning headache

Daytime sleepiness

Concentration problems

Reduced oxygen saturation during sleep

Question 5

Severe consequences of obstructive sleep apnoea

Answer 5

Hypertension
Heart failure
Increased risk of MI and stroke

Question 6

Epworth Sleepiness Scale

Answer 6

Assess symptoms of sleepiness associated with obstructive sleep apnoea

Question 7

Management of obstructive sleep apnoea

Answer 7

Referral to an ENT specialist or a specialist sleep clinic to perform sleep studies

• correct reversible RF
• CPAP
• Surgery - uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)

Question 8

Sleep study

Answer 8

Patient sleeping in a laboratory whilst staff monitor their oxygen saturation, HR, RR and breathing to establish any episodes of apnoea and the extent of their snoring

Question 9

How to correct reversible risk factors for obstructive sleep apnoea

Answer 9

Advising them to stop drinking alcohol, stop smoking and lose weight

Question 10

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)

Answer 10

Surgical reconstruction of the soft palate and jaw