Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Abstract

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common disorder characterized by repetitive closure of the extra-thoracic airway during sleep. The last few decades have witnessed rapid advancements in the recognition and management of OSA. OSA is increasingly prevalent with an estimated 4% of men and 2% of women in USA and the West affected by the disease. The corresponding number is much higher when asymptomatic individuals with evidence of sleep related obstructive respiratory events are considered, 24% and 9% of men and women, respectively. The modern obesity epidemic and an aging population are thought to be the major reasons behind the increasing prevalence of the condition.