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Sites of obstruction in obstructive sleep apnea
Anil N Rama1, Shivan H Tekwani, Clete A Kushida
1Stanford University Center of Excellence for Sleep Disorders, 401 Quarry Road, Suite 3301, Stanford, CA 94305-5730, USA.
Chest
|October 16, 2002
Summary
This systematic review found that the oropharynx is the most common site of airway obstruction in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Laryngopharyngeal extension of this obstruction was also frequently observed.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Sleep Medicine
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder characterized by repeated episodes of upper airway collapse during sleep.
- Identifying the precise location of airway obstruction is crucial for effective treatment planning in OSA patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review published studies and identify the most frequent sites of upper airway obstruction in individuals diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive MEDLINE search of English literature from 1980 to 2002 was performed.
- Inclusion criteria focused on studies with at least five adult subjects, reporting total upper airway obstruction, and utilizing techniques applied during sleep.
Main Results:
- The review identified considerable variability in methodologies and findings across the included studies.
- The oropharynx emerged as the most consistently identified site of airway obstruction in patients with OSA.
Conclusions:
- The oropharynx is the primary location for obstructive sleep apnea-related airway narrowing.
- Obstruction frequently extends into the laryngopharynx, highlighting the importance of this region in OSA pathophysiology.