Obstructive sleep apnea in outpatient care - What to do with?

Obstructive sleep apnea is a relatively common sleep disorder, which is on the increase in the last decades. It significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality in all countries worldwide. Obstructive sleep apnea is one of the most common causes of daytime sleepiness. Typical risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea in the normal adult population are male gender, obesity (preferentially central obesity), and increased neck circumference, presence of manifest cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and anomalies in the upper respiratory tract. Early diagnosis and treatment improves not only the quality of life, but also significantly decreases patient morbidity and mortality. Nowadays screening can be performed in outpatient settings using simple and readily available devices. Such screening can contribute to early diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.