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Sex Differences in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Sunita Kumar1, Andreea Anton2, Carolyn M D'Ambrosio3
1Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep, Loyola University Medical Center and Stritch School of Medicine, 2160 South First Avenue, Building 54, Maywood, IL, USA.
Clinics in Chest Medicine
|August 6, 2021
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects women significantly, yet many remain undiagnosed and undertreated. This review highlights key sex differences in OSA prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Sleep Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Women's Health
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has historically been considered a male-predominant condition.
- Emerging research indicates women face substantial risks from OSA and its untreated consequences.
- A significant gap exists in diagnosing and treating severe sleep apnea in women.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore and delineate the sex differences in obstructive sleep apnea.
- To examine variations in prevalence, clinical phenotypes, diagnostic standards, and therapeutic approaches between men and women with OSA.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on sex-based research in obstructive sleep apnea.
- Analysis of epidemiological data, clinical studies, and treatment outcome reports.
- Synthesis of current understanding regarding gender-specific aspects of OSA.
Main Results:
- Women are increasingly recognized as a high-risk population for obstructive sleep apnea.
- Prevalence, symptom presentation (phenotypes), and diagnostic criteria for OSA may differ between sexes.
- Evidence suggests disparities in diagnosis rates and treatment initiation for women with OSA.
Conclusions:
- Sex-based differences in obstructive sleep apnea are critical for effective clinical management.
- Addressing underdiagnosis and undertreatment in women is essential for improving OSA outcomes.
- Further research into sex-specific OSA mechanisms and tailored treatments is warranted.
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