1) May present with daytime sleepiness.
CORRECT!
Repeated waking due to apnoeic episodes leads to lack of deep REM sleep through the night and subsequently to sleepiness through the day, especially if left with no stimulus. This is why it is an important disease to detect in drivers – especially HGV drivers!
Incorrect
2) May present in later stages as cor pulmonale.
CORRECT!
Incorrect
3) Requires overnight monitoring to make a firm diagnosis.
CORRECT!
A suggestive history needs to be backed up with a sleep study. Many sleep studies are now performed in the patients home.
Incorrect
4) Is aggravated by alcohol and sedative drugs.
CORRECT!
Any factor that causes further relaxation of the muscles around the upper airway will exacerbate the condition.
Incorrect
5) Should always be treated by surgery.
Incorrect
CORRECT!
Best current management is with CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). This is delivered via a mask that fits tightly over the nose or nose and mouth and leads to a small machine that sits by the bedside providing a continuous positive pressure to the airways while asleep with the aim of supporting the upper airways and keeping them open.
