Beyond Snoring: Unexpected Presentation of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common yet often underdiagnosed sleep-related breathing disorder characterized by recurrent upper airway obstruction during sleep. We present a case of a 24-year-old, non-obese male patient with severe OSAS who exhibited an atypical clinical picture dominated by long-standing fatigue, poor concentration, and digital clubbing. Diagnostic evaluation included polysomnography, which confirmed severe OSAS, and ancillary testing to exclude pulmonary, cardiac, and gastrointestinal causes of clubbing. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy led to marked improvement in symptoms and daytime functioning. This case highlights the importance of early recognition of atypical OSAS presentations in primary care and reinforces the role of the family physician in coordinating diagnostic evaluation and treatment.