Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2025

Author Spotlight: Traditional Chinese Medicine for Sleep Disorders in Acute COPD — A Safe, Cost-Effective Approach
Published on: October 18, 2024
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Overlap Syndrome: An Update on the Epidemiology,
Benjamin H M Nguyen1, Patrick B Murphy2, Brendon J Yee3
1Department of Thoracic Medicine, Level 4 Xavier Building, St Vincent's Hospital, 390 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia; Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Level 11 Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Missenden Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Medical School, Sydney Medical School Central Sydney, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Macquarie University, 2 Innovation Road, Macquarie Park, NSW 2113, Australia.
Abstract:
This review provides an up-to-date summary of the prevalence, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) overlap syndrome (OVS). The presence of OVS is high in patients with COPD and in patients with OSA and is associated with profound nocturnal oxygen desaturation and systemic inflammation. There is a high prevalence of cardiovascular disease among patients with OVS and this likely contributes to increased mortality. Observational studies suggest that positive airway pressure therapy improves survival and reduces COPD exacerbations; however, randomized controlled trials will be required to confirm these findings.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Sleep Apnea
The condition is more prevalent among...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management
Smoking Cessation
Other Pulmonary Disorders
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:

