Upper airway resistance syndrome
Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome
Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) is a sleep disorder characterized by the narrowing of the airway, which causes significant resistance to airflow during sleep.
Pronunciation
Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome: /ˈʌpər ˈeərweɪ rɪˈzɪstəns sɪnˈdroʊm/
Etymology
The term "Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome" is derived from the English language. "Upper" refers to the top or highest part of something, "Airway" refers to the passage by which air reaches a person's lungs, "Resistance" refers to the refusal to accept or comply with something, and "Syndrome" refers to a group of symptoms which consistently occur together, or a condition characterized by a set of associated symptoms.
Definition
Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) is a condition in which individuals experience increased resistance in the upper airway during sleep, leading to disruptions in sleep architecture and excessive daytime sleepiness. It is considered a part of the spectrum of Sleep-Disordered Breathing (SDB) conditions, which also includes Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Central Sleep Apnea (CSA).
Symptoms
The primary symptoms of UARS include excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep (insomnia), frequent awakenings during the night, and non-refreshing sleep. Other symptoms may include morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, and mood disturbances such as depression or anxiety.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of UARS is typically made through a polysomnography (sleep study), which measures various bodily functions during sleep, including brain activity, eye movement, heart rate, and blood pressure. The diagnosis can be challenging as the condition often overlaps with other sleep disorders, particularly OSA.
Treatment
Treatment for UARS typically involves lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and avoidance of alcohol and sedatives, as well as the use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Related Terms
- Sleep-Disordered Breathing (SDB)
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)
- Insomnia
- Polysomnography
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Upper airway resistance syndrome
- Wikipedia's article - Upper airway resistance syndrome
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