Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common but frequently undiagnosed condition. Symptoms include loud snoring, nocturnal awakening, and daytime sleepiness. Treating OSA can meaningfully improve symptoms and achieve modest reductions in blood pressure. Although OSA care has traditionally been limited to sleep specialists, technologies are available that allow primary care clinicians to diagnose OSA and initiate treatment. Treatments include positional therapy, weight management, application of external positive airway pressure, mandibular advancement devices, and surgical interventions. Inpatient identification and management of OSA is also feasible and is an evolving area of research and practice.