Related Experiment Videos
The upper airway resistance syndrome
1Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425, USA. exarem@musc.edu
Chest
|April 20, 1999
Summary
Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) causes daytime sleepiness due to breathing disruptions during sleep. While nasal CPAP is effective, further research is needed for other treatments.
Area of Science:
- Sleep Medicine
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) is a sleep-disordered breathing characterized by airflow resistance, leading to arousals and somnolence.
- Understanding of UARS has evolved within the broader context of sleep-disordered breathing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the understanding of Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS).
- To discuss diagnostic challenges and treatment options for UARS.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on UARS.
- Discussion of diagnostic methods including polysomnography with esophageal manometry and pneumotachography.
- Evaluation of treatment efficacy.
Main Results:
- Daytime somnolence in UARS is linked to repetitive EEG arousals, likely triggered by negative intrathoracic pressure.
- Hypertension is a significant sequela, potentially due to autonomic and cardiovascular changes.
- Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the most effective treatment, though compliance can be an issue.
Conclusions:
- Diagnostic criteria and methods for UARS lack consensus.
- Nasal CPAP is the primary treatment, but compliance is a challenge.
- Surgical options like radiofrequency ablation and oral appliances show promise but require more research.