Upper aerodigestive space analysis in obstructive sleep apnea: An overview

Abstract

Upper aerodigestive space includes nasal and oral cavities, pharynx, larynx, trachea, and esophagus. The dimension of this space is maintained by the normal skeletal pattern and the anatomical soft tissue adapted to it. Any alteration in the development of the skeletal pattern or any soft tissue lesion can cause obstruction leading to difficulty in breathing, swallowing, and alteration in phonation. Difficulty in breathing is the most common problem that results in obstructive sleep apnea, leading to various complications. The evaluation of the upper aerodigestive space is a complex procedure that includes both physical examination and various imaging modalities. This article is to highlight the advantages of various imaging techniques that are best used to analyze the upper aerodigestive space.

Keywords

• Enlarged soft tissue
• obstructive sleep apnea
• pharyngeal space obstruction
• retroglossal
• retropalatal
• upper aerodigestive space