Pharyngeal airway obstruction in obstructive sleep apnea - Pathophysiologyand clinical implications

Citation
Ar. Schwartz et al., Pharyngeal airway obstruction in obstructive sleep apnea - Pathophysiologyand clinical implications, OTOLAR CLIN, 31(6), 1998, pp. 911
Citations number
21
Categorie Soggetti
Otolaryngology
Journal title
OTOLARYNGOLOGIC CLINICS OF NORTH AMERICA
ISSN journal
00306665 → ACNP
Volume
31
Issue
6
Year of publication
1998
Database
ISI
SICI code
0030-6665(199812)31:6<911:PAOIOS>2.0.ZU;2-A
Abstract
In obstructive sleep apnea, airflow obstruction is caused by pharyngeal col lapse. Current evidence suggests that anatomic alterations predispose to ph aryngeal collapse. This article examines the role of structures that elonga te and dilate the pharynx in maintaining pharyngeal patency. Their influenc e on pharyngeal collapsibility is considered. Insights gained are then pres ented within a conceptual framework that can be used for treating patients.