Sleep apnea: evaluation and sleep testing for the otolaryngologist

Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with significant health consequences and decreased quality of life. As upper airway specialists, otolaryngologists are uniquely qualified to treat patients with obstructive sleep apnea, however, specialized knowledge of these patients is needed to provide optimal treatment. Patient presentation, common risk factors and physiologic sequella of OSA are discussed. Diagnostic sleep testing including polysomnography and a variety of home sleep testing modalities with their indications are compared.