Analyzing Annals: Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians
This guideline recommends that patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) lose weight and that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) be used as initial therapy. Mandibular advancement devices should be considered for patient unwilling or unable to use CPAP.
Read the article and consider the following:
- What are the symptoms and signs that should prompt consideration of OSA?
- How is the diagnosis of OSA made?
- Review the tracings from a polysomnogram-there is an easy-to-follow, simple figure with an explanation in ACP Smart Medicine's OSA module ("Polysomnogram Tracing of Obstructive Apnea").
- Review how CPAP works. Why do you think adherence with CPAP therapy can be a problem?