Back to basics regarding upper airway obstruction during sleep - Size matters

摘要

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder, characterizedby recurrent episodes of apnea or hypopnea secondaryto complete or partial upper airway obstruction, leading tosignificant adverse health consequences.1-4 The pathogenesisof obstructive sleep apnea is due to the interaction betweenanatomic upper airway susceptibility and sleep-related changesin upper airway function.5,6 The loss of the “wakefulness driveto breathe” results in decreased caliber of the pharyngeallumen,7,8 increased upper airway resistance,9-11 and increasedcompliance of the upper airway wall.12