ABSTRACT
Snoring, upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) are collectively referred to as sleeprelated breathing disorders (SRBD). These terms describe a partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. Patency of the pharyngeal airway is maintained by two opposing forces: negative intraluminal pressure and the activity of the upper airway musculature. Anatomical or central neural abnormalities can disrupt this delicate balance and result in compromise of the upper airway. This reduction of airway caliber may cause sleep fragmentation and subsequent behavioral derangements, such as excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) (1-3). The goal of medical and surgical therapy is to alleviate this obstruction and increase airway patency.
