Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Question 1

What is obstructive sleep apnoea?

Answer 1

A sleep disorder with recurrent episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep, causing apnoea or hypopnoea

Apnoea is a temporary cessation of breathing; hypopnoea is a temporary decrease in breathing.

Question 2

List risk factors for obstructive sleep apnoea.

Answer 2

• Obesity
• Craniofacial abnormalities
• Increased soft tissue volume
  downs syndrome

Question 3

What is a typical symptom of obstructive sleep apnoea related to daytime function?

Answer 3

Excessive daytime somnolence

This can be quantified using the Epworth sleepiness scale.

Question 4

What chronic symptom can result from hypercapnia in obstructive sleep apnoea?

Answer 4

Chronic morning headache

Question 5

What examination finding may indicate obstructive sleep apnoea?

Answer 5

Obesity with large neck circumference

Question 6

Differentiate obstructive sleep apnoea from central sleep apnoea in terms of snoring.

Answer 6

Snoring is less common in central sleep apnoea

Question 7

What is the gold standard diagnostic investigation for obstructive sleep apnoea?

Answer 7

Polysomnography

It evaluates brain activity, muscle activity, and respiratory activity.

Question 8

What are two conservative management strategies for obstructive sleep apnoea?

Answer 8

• Weight loss
• Oral appliances

Question 9

What is the gold standard treatment for severe cases of obstructive sleep apnoea?

Answer 9

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)

Question 10

List three clinical features of obstructive sleep apnoea.

Answer 10

• Arousal during sleep with choking/gasping
• Habitual snoring
• Restless sleep

Question 11

What surgical options are available for the management of obstructive sleep apnoea?

Answer 11

• Upper airway surgery
• Bariatric surgery

Question 12

What medical management can be used to reduce somnolence in obstructive sleep apnoea?

Answer 12

Dopamine reuptake inhibitors (e.g., modafinil)