Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Pathophysiology and Treatment

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder driven by a combination of anatomical and functional factors.A narrow upper airway, fatty deposits around the tongue, and enlarged soft tissues all contribute to airway collapse.Additionally, reduced neuromuscular activity during sleep and increased instability in respiratory control heighten the risk of airway obstruction.OSA is linked to serious health problems, including metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and excessive daytime sleepiness, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.Diagnosis is typically made through polysomnography, and continuous positive airway pressure therapy remains the most effective treatment.For individuals with mild to moderate OSA, oral appliance therapy offers a viable alternative, while emerging treatments such as hypoglossal nerve stimulation and pharmacological interventions provide additional options.By identifying distinct OSA phenotypes, personalized treatment approaches can be developed, and future research should focus on optimizing these strategies to meet the specific needs of individual patients.