State of the Art in Comorbidities and Complications Associated with Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders

Abstract

The term “sleep-related breathing disorders” (SRDB) comprehends a spectrum of pathologic conditions characterized by abnormal respiration during sleep, that can affect both adults and growing subjects. The expanding knowledge on this topic has revealed that impaired sleeping and breathing have profound effects on many systemic functions, therefore a modern approach requires the collaboration of different professionals like the otorhinolaryngologist, pneumologist, neurologist, cardiologist, psychologist, dentist, and many others. The real prevalence of such conditions is unknown, especially in children, even though a growing awareness can be found among Governments, researchers, and public opinion, especially for the social implications that SRDB can have. Moreover, recent studies have raised attention on comorbidities that can be associated with SRDB, influencing each other. Regarding the current international situation, it would be interesting to evaluate the progress of COVID-19 disease in SRDB patients. Defining the state-of-the-art knowledge on all the conditions orbiting around SRDB, from all points of view—aetiology, diagnosis, clinical management, interdisciplinarity, public health management—would be of great interest and impact to improve future research and the quality of life of SRDB patients.

Keywords

• Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder
• obstructive sleep apnea
• central sleep apnea
• bruxism
• temporomandibular joint
• COVID-19