Examen clinique par le non-spécialiste ORL des voies aériennes supérieures du SAHOS de l'adulte

Recommendations for the management of the obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) advocate for the realization of an upper respiratory tract examination of all patients. Indeed, anatomic and functional abnormalities of the upper respiratory tract can be involved in the occurrence of apneas and hypopneas. This article offers a simple and minimal clinical examination of upper respiratory tract that all sleep practitioners can achieve. Management of this examination shall involve 3 steps: the observation of the patient's breath, research of dento-skeletal modifications and endobuccal examination. This overall examination helps exchange with the otorhinolaryngology specialist. This one may subsequently complete this examination and make an assessment with adapted material and indicate specific treatment of OSAHS.