Fast Five Quiz: Obstructive Sleep Apnea Key Aspects

The etiology of OSA involves both structural and nonstructural factors, including genetic factors.

Hypothyroidism is associated with macroglossia and increased soft tissue mass in the pharyngeal region and thus with an increased risk for sleep-disordered breathing. Hypothyroidism is also associated with myopathy that may contribute to upper airway dysfunction. Although it has been linked with the development of OSA, evidence indicates that its prevalence is no higher in patients with OSA than in the general population. Accordingly, patients with OSA should not be routinely screened for hypothyroidism, except possibly elderly women.

For more on the etiology and epidemiology of OSA, read here.

Medscape © 2019  WebMD, LLC

Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.

Cite this: Zab Mosenifar. Fast Five Quiz: Obstructive Sleep Apnea Key Aspects - Medscape - Nov 21, 2019.