Apnea and Snoring

Apnea comes from the ancient Greek ἄπνοια, literally "calm," or absence of breath.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a condition characterized by snoring, periodic collapse of the upper airway at the level of the pharynx, and cessation of pulmonary ventilation while respiratory effort is maintained, decreased blood oxygen levels, severe sleep fragmentation, and excessive daytime sleepiness [Guilleminault C., 1976].

The main marker of OSAS is obstructive apnea—a cessation of nasal airflow for 10 seconds or more while respiratory effort is maintained, caused by collapse of the airway at the level of the pharynx. Incomplete airway obstruction can cause hypopneas—respiratory events characterized by a partial reduction in nasal-oral airflow combined with a drop in blood oxygen saturation of at least 3%.

The prevalence of OSA is 5-7% of the general population over 30 years of age. Severe forms of the disease affect approximately 1-2% of this group of individuals (Stradling J.R. et al. 1991; Young T. et al. 1993). In individuals over 60 years of age, the incidence of OSA increases significantly, reaching approximately 30% in men and approximately 20% in women. In individuals over 65 years of age, the incidence can reach 60% [Ancoli-Israel S., 1991]. These figures are comparable to the prevalence of bronchial asthma (Young T. et al., 1993). Snoring and apnea