aetiology

Last reviewed 08/2021

Risk groups of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) include: (1)

• overweight (Body Mass Index of 25 to 29.9)
• obese (Body Mass Index of 30 and above)
• large neck sizes: 17 inches or more for men, 16 inches or more for women
• middle-aged and older men
• post-menopausal women
• abnormalities of the bony and soft tissue structure of the head and neck
• adults and children with Down Syndrome
• children with large tonsils and adenoids
• a family history of OSA
• narrow pharyngeal lumen
• COAD

Aetiological factors include:

• conditions causing an encroachment on the pharynx
• conditions causing nasal obstruction
• drug induced respiratory depression

Reference:

• (1) American academy of sleep medicine. Obstructive sleep apnoea.2006