There are hardly any scientific surveys done to estimate the prevalence of OSA in India. Taking broad indications from incidence of OSA in USA , we could arrive at an estimate of 6-8% of Indian population could be having OSA.
- 70% of obese have OSA
- 65% of Diabetics have OSA
- 50% of Hypertensive have OSA
The family Physician/General physician is the first Doctor who is likely to come across a patient with OSA/complaint of snoring. With such high incidence of OSA/snoring in patients who are obese, diabetic or hypertensive, the Physician should ask searching questions about snoring and other symptoms which are associated with OSA. Physicians have to do the following specific actions:
- Talk to the spouse of the patient about snoring problems.
- Routinely ask about snoring problem in patients who come with Obesity, BP, Diabetes and heart conditions.
- Conduct STOP-BANG tests in all suspected patients with OSA/SNORING.
OSA TREATMENT PART OF DIABETES, HYPERTENSION MANAGEMENT
[Journal of American Board of Family Medicine, Aug 2007 ]
“The evidence basis is excellent in supporting the importance the diagnosis and treatment of OSA in adults——The diagnosis and treatment of OSA should be considered as part of the management of Diabetes, Hypertension and congestive heart failure -core aspects of primary care medicine”
UNIFORM SCREENING FOR SNORING AND SLEEPINESS BY USING RISK ASSESSMENT TOOL
Canadian Family Physician Journal, Oct 2008]
“Uniform screening for snoring and sleepiness can be followed up by using simple risk assessment tool for sleep apnea ——-Straightforward sleep apnea assessment can be expected by having home testing and automated CPAP titration if referral is difficult
STRONG RECOMMENDATION TO TREAT DRIVERS WITH OSA TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS
[American Thoracic society, 1994]
“Sleepiness may account for up to 20% of crashes on monotonous roads , especially highways—-OSA causes excessive daytime sleepiness——A strong recommendation was made for treatment of confirmed OSA with CPAP to reduce driving risk , rather than no treatment
HOME SLEEP TESTING RECOMMENDED
[American Family Physician Journal, Oct, 2009]
“Home studies are less expensive than laboratory testing and are certainly more convenient for patients ———- Home evaluation is useful especially when the results are clearly positive”