Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS)
Proper sleep hygiene is essential for improving the quality of rest and, consequently, the quality of life. Sleep allows us to regenerate physically and mentally, but in an increasingly hectic routine, stress and commitments tend to reduce the time dedicated to rest. For this reason, it becomes crucial to make conscious choices, especially in the evening and nighttime hours. How can we promote good sleep? By creating a comfortable environment with appropriate temperature, lighting, and colors, and choosing a bed and pillow suited to one's needs. It is also important to avoid caffeine, alcohol, and heavy foods at dinner, as well as the use of electronic devices and television before sleep. However, sometimes healthy habits are not enough: poor sleep quality can be due to underlying physical conditions, signaling health problems or disorders. One of the main enemies of rest is obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Snoring is not just an inconvenience for those sleeping nearby, but it can be a warning sign that should not be ignored.
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On this page
- What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome?
- What Are the Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome?
- How Do You Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome?
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome?
OSAS is a respiratory disorder caused by the collapse of the throat walls, which temporarily blocks the airflow and interrupts breathing. In addition to fragmenting the sleep cycle, it affects heart rate and blood pressure, increasing the risk of cardiovascular and neurovascular diseases.
Causes of OSAS
It may be thought that they are due to a nasal problem, but snoring (or snoring disease) and sleep apnea can have different origins and causes.
Risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome include:
- Alcoholic beverage abuse.
- Anatomical abnormalities (nasal septum deviation, hypertrophied adenoids and tonsils).
- Taking sleeping pills.
- Age.
- Familiarity.
- Smoking.
- Hypertension.
- Soft tissue laxity of the first airways.
- Post-menopausal syndrome.
- Overweight and obesity.
These factors, either alone or in combination, can contribute to the development of OSAS, worsening symptoms and impacting overall health.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome?
The main symptoms of OSAS are:
- Dry mouth (xerostomia).
- Headaches.
- Cognitive deficits such as memory problems or poor concentration.
- Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS).
- Shortness of breath.
- Frequent awakenings with a feeling of suffocation.
- Snoring, restless sleep, feeling of not having rested well.
How Do You Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome?
The expert to turn to for a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is an otorhinolaryngologist specialising in sleep disorders.
Based on the patient's medical history and symptoms, the specialist may consider performing an in-depth diagnostic examination, such as polysomnography, considered the gold standard for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea. It is an examination that records several variables during sleep, such as chest and abdominal movement, brain activity, nasal and oral airflow, blood oxygenation and other physiological measurements. Endoscopy can also be used to assess the anatomy of the upper airway and detect obstructions.
In some cases, endoscopy may be used to observe the anatomy of the upper airways and identify any obstructions.
Treatment for OSA is often multidisciplinary, involving specialists such as pulmonologists, neurologists, cardiologists, dentists, and nutritionists—particularly in cases of obesity. If the patient is overweight or obese, the first therapeutic approach may be nutritional.
One of the most common treatments is CPAP therapy (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), which involves wearing a mask that delivers a continuous flow of compressed air. This keeps the airways open during sleep and reduces the number of apnoeic episodes.
Other options include BiPAP devices, which deliver two levels of positive pressure; oral appliances; and positional therapy, which can help improve airflow by encouraging sleep positions that reduce airway obstruction.
If non-invasive treatments are not effective or if anatomical abnormalities are present, surgery may be considered as a definitive solution. Surgical intervention is an option for patients who do not respond to other treatments or who have specific anatomical issues that can only be corrected surgically.
For more information, explore the Otolaryngology services at UPMC Salvator Mundi International Hospital.
Reviewed March 2025.