Overview of Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults

ABSTRACT

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder characterized by obstructive apneas, hypopneas, and respiratory effort related arousals during sleep. Treatment of OSA is important because untreated patients have potential adverse clinical outcomes, such as excessive daytime sleepiness, metabolic dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, and mortality. Therefore, OSA should be considered as a chronic disease that requires long-term and multidisciplinary care. Positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy is the mainstay of treatment for OSA in adults. Alternative therapies include oral appliance, behavioral modification, and upper airway surgery. The treatment of OSA in adults is reviewed here with focus on PAP therapy.