Assessment and management of obstructive sleep apnea: The otolaryngology perspective

Obstructive sleep apnea, estimated to occur in between 5% and 10% of the United States population, is a critical threat to well-being of infants, children, and adults. Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by prolonged partial or intermittent complete upper airway obstruction that disrupts normal ventilation and sleep patterns. Obstructive sleep apnea impacts not only the breathing during sleep, but also the body homeostasis by altering the function of multiple systems. Obstructive sleep apnea may be associated with clinical consequences leading to cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurologic, metabolic, neurobehavioral, and neurocognitive morbidities. Etiology of obstructive sleep apnea includes a wide variety of pathologies that may impede airway patency at multi sites. Better understanding of the underlying causes of obstructive sleep apnea is essential to choose the appropriate treatment. Medical and surgical treatment of obstructive sleep apnea provides significant relief for patients. Timely recognition of obstructive sleep apnea and identification of causes of obstructive sleep apnea allows early treatment of the disorder and prevention of complications. This chapter provides an overview of the causes, treatment, and health implications of obstructive sleep apnea.