Term: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Glossary Definition

Last Updated: 2015-06-29

Definition:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder in which the upper airway repeatedly collapses and is obstructed. Symptoms include choking, snoring, periods of not breathing during sleep, and waking often. OSA is associated with excessive daytime sleepiness, as well as potentially fatal stress to cardiovascular and respiratory system over time.

Related concepts 

• Identifying Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Non-OSA Matched Cohorts

References 

• Mutter TC. Serious postoperative cardiovascular and respiratory complications in obstructive sleep apnea patients: Matched cohort analysis of clinical and administrative data. 2012.(View)