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Sleep apnea: Do not forget to inspect the throat!
Christian Alain Pirovino1, Roland Giger1, Basile Nicolas Landis2
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Bern University Hospital, Inselspital Bern Switzerland.
Clinical Case Reports
|January 19, 2019
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is common and often missed. A simple throat exam can identify rare tumors causing OSAS, preventing incorrect treatments.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Sleep Medicine
- Oncology
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a prevalent yet frequently underdiagnosed condition.
- Common causes include obesity and anatomical factors leading to narrowing of the airway.
- Parapharyngeal tumors, though rare, represent a treatable cause of OSAS.
Observation:
- A thorough oro-pharyngeal examination is crucial for patients presenting with OSAS.
- This examination is cost-effective, simple, and rapid to perform.
- It can be effectively conducted by non-specialist healthcare providers.
Findings:
- Rare parapharyngeal tumors can manifest as a cause of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
- Early identification through oro-pharyngeal examination is key.
Implications:
- Implementing routine oro-pharyngeal examinations in OSAS patients can lead to timely diagnosis of rare causes.
- This approach helps avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate management strategies.
- It highlights the importance of basic clinical examination in complex sleep disorders.
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