Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Prevalence and Diagnosis- A Review

Sleep apnea is a common disorder in which breathing is briefly and repeatedly interrupted during sleep. There are three types of sleep apnea; Central sleep apnea, Obstructive sleep apnea, and Mixed or Complex sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) being more common, is characterized by obstruction of the upper airway and subsequently cessation of breathing during sleep. Various epidemiological studies have been done in different countries to assess the prevalence of OSA which shows that it is not only common in developed but in developing countries too. Population based studies show that 2% of women and 4% of men are affected with symptomatic OSA. However prevalence of asymptomatic OSA is high which affect 20%–30% of the middle-aged population. Overweight or obese, older and the patients with craniofacial anomalies are at more risk. Excessive day time somnolence and fatigue are common complains of patient with OSA. Depression, intellectual deterioration, pulmonary hypertension, polycythemia, and cardiovascular morbidity may also develop in advance cases. Polysomnography or sleep study is gold standard for diagnosis of OSA. Endoscopic and Cephalometric examination also help in identification of site of upper airway obstruction and treatment planning. Lifestyle modification, medical and surgical options are available for the treatment. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) has been proved to be effective in reducing symptoms, cardiovascular morbidity and neurocognitive sequelae, but it is often poorly tolerated. Oral appliances and various surgical procedures are also indicated. Early identification and treatment of the disorder can save patients from many serious and life threatening complications as well as improve their physical, psychological and social status. (Ahmad F, Gupta P, Khullar M. Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Prevalence and Diagnosis – A Review. www.journalofdentofacialsciences.com, 2014; 3(4): 39-45.)