Pathophysiology of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome: a review

Authors

Al Riyami B, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University, P O Box 35 Al-Khod, Muscat 123, Sultanate of Oman.
Al Rawas O, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University, P O Box 35 Al-Khod, Muscat 123, Sultanate of Oman.
Hassan MO, Department of Clinical Physiology, College of Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University, P O Box 35 Al-Khod, Muscat 123, Sultanate of Oman.

Abstract

Sleep apnoea syndrome is a common disorder and a major health hazard that affects many body systems. It is particularly associated with increased cardiovascular and cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality. Among its other manifestations include increased daytime somnolence, fatigue, depression, reduced sexual libido and endocrine dysfunction. The main risk factors are obesity, male gender, middle age and heredity. Despite being a recognised major health problem in the industrialised countries, this condition has not yet received its due importance in the developing world. This review introduces breathing disorders during sleep and discusses the pathophysiological features of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome in the light of the currently available literature and the authors’ own clinical experience.

Publication Date

10-31-2000

First Page

117

Last Page

124

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

B, Al Riyami; O, Al Rawas; and MO, Hassan (2000) "Pathophysiology of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome: a review," Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal: Vol. 2: 117-124.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18295/2075-0528.2159