Description
Obstructive sleep apnoea is an important cause of morbidity and in severe
cases mortality. Weight loss may be effective in obese sufferers and should
always be recommended. Recent well-constructed randomised controlled trials
have confirmed that continuous positive airway pressure is effective in improving
subjective and objective measures of sleepiness. Attention to education and
support for the patient and the control of side effects for example using hot
water humidification can greatly increase compliance. There is little evidence
to support the use of surgical or drug treatments for OSA although occasional
individuals may benefit. Mandibular advancement devices do seem a promising
alternative for symptom control in patients with mild OSA.
