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Previous Volume 334:99-104 January 11, 1996 Number 2 Next

	Since this article has no abstract, we have provided an extract of the first 100 words of the full text and any section headings.

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Our understanding of the nature and consequences of upper-airway obstruction in adults during sleep has evolved considerably over the past two decades. Sleep apnea — defined as repeated episodes of obstructive apnea and hypopnea during sleep, together with daytime sleepiness or altered cardiopulmonary function — is common.¹ Epidemiologic studies estimate that the condition affects 2 to 4 percent of middle-aged adults.² Only a small portion of the cases in this group of adults have been diagnosed; this is related to insufficient awareness of sleep apnea among physicians and the public at large.³

Definitions

The manifestations of upper-airway closure during sleep are . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Pathogenesis

Pathophysiologic Consequences

Diagnosis

Sleep Studies

Treatment

Behavioral Treatment

Medical Treatment

            Positive Airway Pressure

            Oral Appliances

            Medication

Surgical Treatment

            Tracheostomy

            Palatal Surgery

            Maxillofacial Surgery

Source Information

From the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 440 Scaife Hall, 3550 Terrace St., Pittsburgh, PA 15261, where reprint requests should be addressed to Dr. Strollo.

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