Examining the anatomy of the upper airways and soft tissues in healthy people and patients with sleep disorders.

Abstract

Objective: To assessed upper airway differences between individuals with and without obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The study Investigated upper airway differences in OSA. Study Design: Comparative cross sectional study. Setting: Hayatabad Medical Complex, Khyber Girls Medical College. Period: January, 2022 to October, 2022. Material & Methods: 68 participants examined with results: "Anterior-posterior (AP) respiratory tract dimension" consistent across groups. Mandible rami dimension uniform, indicating no bony contribution to lateral narrowing. OSA patients displayed narrower lateral respiratory tracts due to enlarged lateral pharyngeal walls. OSA patients didn't exhibit larger fat pads in the minimal respiratory tract compared to healthy individuals. Results: Our findings reveal that the upper airways of apneic patients exhibit distinct characteristics compared to those of individuals without apnea. Specifically, these differences manifest in the lateral and narrow constriction of the apneic airway. The study's results underscore the significance of examining delicate tissue elements surrounding the upper respiratory tract to comprehend these variations in apneic respiratory tract dimensions. Conclusion: This study highlights OSA-related upper airway differences, primarily attributed to enlarged lateral pharyngeal walls. Understanding these distinctions may aid OSA diagnosis and management.