1. Modification of lifestyles such as weight control is always the most fundamental measure.
2. The first line treatment in most patients with significant OSA is nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). CPAP splints up patient’s upper airway with air pressure in order to prevent its collapse during sleep.
3. Oral appliances (OA) will be considered in those who are intolerant or unwilling to adhere to CPAP. OA works by moving the lower jaw forward with a custom made dental device, thereby enlarging the upper respiratory tract of OSA patient.
4. Surgery are occasionally indicated when a surgically correctable abnormality is believed to be the source of the problem. These surgical procedures may resect or reposition throat structures obstructing the upper airway and all these operations target at restoring normal flow of air in and out of the lungs.

Our center offers a comprehensive consultative and diagnostic service for patients with OSAS through a multi-disciplinary approach. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) titration will be performed if CPAP is indicated. Structured scheme of follow up will be provided to evaluate the treatment response of the patients.

Sleep disordered breathing disorder is a prevalent medical condition. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common condition in sleep disordered breathing. It affects 4% of males and 2% of females among the middle-aged population in Hong Kong. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused by repetitive collapse of the pharyngeal airway during sleep, which results in ongoing respiratory effort during pharyngeal collapse. It leads to arterial oxygen desaturation and frequent awakenings of patients. Hence individuals suffering from OSA would have fragmented sleep and poor sleep quality.

OSA is a recognized contributing factor for hypertension, insulin resistance, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Risk of motor vehicle accidents is also higher in patients with untreated OSA.

Risk Factors

1. Genetic: often have positive family history
2. Gender: male gender, menopause increase the predisposition for developing OSA in women
3. Age : progressively increases in middle age
4. Obesity
5. Smoking/alcohol
6. Small jaw
7. Hypothyroidism

If you think you may suffer from obstructive sleep apnea , there are several simple tests you can take that may suggest you should discuss the possibility with your doctor

https://sleepapnea.org/learn/sleep-apnea/do-i-have-sleep-apnea/four-sleep-apnea-tests-you-can-take-right-now/

http://www.sleepeducation.org/essentials-in-sleep/sleep-apnea/self-tests

The golden standard of diagnostic modality for OSA is overnight Polysomnography (multi-channels overnight Sleep Study). It records EEG, EOG, chin & leg EMG, ECG, nasal airflow, abdominal & chest wall movements and digital oximetry of patients. Sleep Study will be conducted in a designated room. The sound and light proof fittings will provide a comfortable environment which allows people falling asleep easily.