Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome.

OSAHS should be an expected condition in many patients encountered by primary care providers. The diagnosis may arise because of patient daytime dysfunction, partner prompting, or in the course of managing comorbidities adversely influenced by the hemodynamic, neural, humoral,and inflammatory consequences of repetitive desaturations and arousals.OSAHS should be suspected in patients who exhibit habitually loud snoring, witnessed apneas/choking/gasping during sleep, hypertension, neck circumferences of 17 inches or greater, obesity, and laterally narrowed oropharynxes. Diagnosis is established by polysomnography. CPAP is the treatment of choice for most patients. Education, follow-up, and heated humidification may help bolster compliance. Lifestyle modifications, oral appliances, and upper surgeries are additional treatment options.