obstructive sleep apnea, a form of sleep apnea involving a physical obstruction in the upper airways, most commonly the glottis. While often described as occuring mainly in obese patients, it in fact is also seen routinely in patients with a norml body mass index (BMI). It is also often associated with patients with secondary pulmonary insufficiency or a constitutional defect. A nonobese person with a congenital abnormality of the upper airways also may experience obstructive sleep apnea. See also pickwickian syndrome, continuous positive airway pressure. ▪ OBSERVATIONS: The condition is usually marked by recurrent sleep interruptions, snoring, choking and gasping spells on awakening, and drowsiness caused by loss of normal sleep. ▪ INTERVENTIONS: Treatment is with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) using a mask at night attached to a respirator. These devices also often include a heated humidifier so that the air provided is not drying to the nasal surfaces. ▪ PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS: Uncorrected, the disorder often leads to central sleep apnea, pulmonary failure, and cardiac abnormalities, and loss of deep or REM sleep.
