What are the nonsurgical treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome is now recognized as a relatively common cause of excessive daytime sleepiness, with resultant psychosocial impairment and motor vehicle accidents, and it likely contributes to premature cardiovascular disease. Treatment is naturally directed at the upper airway; however, it is also important to identify and correct significant risk factors, such as obesity and hypothyroidism, whenever possible. Oral appliances or nasal continuous positive airway pressure may immediately reverse symptoms caused by OSA and can be used either indefinitely or as a bridge to potentially definitive surgery.
Clinical Investigation Department, Naval Medical Center, 34800 Bob Wilson Drive, San Diego, CA 92134-5000, USA.
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Bradshaw
D006801:Humans; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration; D012307:Risk Factors; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*