Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: An Overview

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common disorder, generally under-recognized and hence under diagnosed. It is associated with potentially serious morbidity and increasing mortality which can be prevented by early diagnosis, modification of risk factors and proper treatment. In this review, basic and updated information of obstructive sleep apnea of interest to internists and general physicians will be discussed. This includes important definitions, epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, pathophysiology, complications, mortality, and modalities of treatment.