[The treatment of obstructive sleep apnea]

Diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome may be suspected clinically, screened for by oximetry and proven by polysomnography. A sufficient number of centers performing polysomnography and providing appropriate treatment is available today in Switzerland. The patient does not need to be admitted to a university center since nearly all high altitude clinics with pneumonologic orientation are equipped to diagnose and treat patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. The treatment of choice is nocturnal CPAP-therapy which is simple, poor in complications and well tolerated. Regular follow-up by cantonal leagues for pulmonary diseases, practising pneumologists and pneumonologic centers are, however, necessary.