Diagnosis and management of obstructive sleep apnoea in adults

• Published in: Australian prescriber 2024-04, Vol.47 (2), p.52-56
• Main Authors: Hynes, Daniel, Mansfield, Darren
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0312-8008; 1839-3942
• DOI: 10.18773/austprescr.2024.010

Obstructive sleep apnoea is the most common form of sleep-disordered breathing. It is characterised by recurrent occlusion of the airway during sleep. Ensuing apnoeas terminate in arousal from sleep and lead to non-restorative sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness and adverse cardiovascular and neurocognitive effects. A sleep study should be offered to patients reporting witnessed apnoeas or symptoms related to non-restorative sleep. It should also be considered in the presence of predisposing factors for obstructive sleep apnoea (e.g. obesity, tonsillar hypertrophy, retrognathia, refractory hypertension). Treatment should aim to improve symptoms and reduce cardiovascular and neurocognitive risk. The treatment approach should consider the symptom burden, severity, anatomical factors, and patient preference. Positive airway pressure is the most effective treatment option, although intolerance and non-adherence are common. Other options include positional therapy, oral appliances and upper airway surgery. Weight loss and optimisation of cardiovascular disease risk should be considered in selected patients.