Epiglottic Collapse in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Abstract

Along with the development of diagnostic techniques, many studies have been conducted to find the anatomical causes of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The velum, oropharynx, tongue base, and epiglottis have been widely considered to be the common obstruction sites. However, the role of the epiglottis in sleep apnea is poorly understood compared to the other anatomical sites. The epiglottis causes OSA either alone or simultaneously with other obstruction sites. We have here reviewed the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of epiglottic collapse in patients with OSA based on the literature published to date.

Keywords

• obstructive sleep apnea
• epiglottis
• sleep apnea syndromes