Current medical concepts in obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form of sleep-disordered breathing. OSA is characterized by repetitive upper airway closure causing intermittent hypoxia. The prevalence of OSA has significantly increased with the global epidemic in obesity. Despite the recognition of the serious health consequences of OSA, many patients with OSA remain underdiagnosed. This article provides a review of the epidemiology, the physiologic mechanisms, and the current nonsurgical interventions for OSA.