Upper airway resistance syndrome medical therapy

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Medical Therapy

Treatment for UARS is essentially the same as that for obstructive sleep apnea^[1]. (See Sleep apnea)

Behavioral modification

This includes getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep, avoiding sleeping in supine position (on the back), sleeping with head end of bed elevated and avoiding sedatives, alcohol and narcotics.

Positive airway pressure therapy

This again, is similar to that in obstructive sleep apnea and works by splinting the airway open from the pressure, thus reducing the airway resistance. Reimbursement for the positive airway pressure device (CPAP etc.) may be a concern in certain healthcare models.

Oral appliances

Oral appliances to protrude the tongue and mandible (jaw) forward are effective in reducing the airway resistance.

References

↑ Guilleminault C, Kim Y, Palombini L, Li K, Powell N. “Upper airway resistance syndrome and its treatment”. Sleep. 23 Suppl 4: S197–200. PMID 10893102.

Template:WikiDoc Sources

[1] Guilleminault C, Kim Y, Palombini L, Li K, Powell N. “Upper airway resistance syndrome and its treatment”. Sleep. 23 Suppl 4: S197–200. PMID 10893102.

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