Treatment of upper airway resistance syndrome in adults: Where do we stand?

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the available literature regarding Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) treatment. Methods: Keywords “Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome,” “Sleep-related Breathing Disorder treatment,” “Obstructive Sleep Apnea treatment” and “flow limitation and sleep” were used in main databases. Results: We found 27 articles describing UARS treatment. Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has been the mainstay therapy prescribed but with limited effectiveness. Studies about surgical treatments had methodological limitations. Oral appliances seem to be effective but their efficacy is not yet established. Conclusion: Randomized controlled trials with larger numbers of patients and long-term follow-up are important to establish UARS treatment options.

Keywords

• Upper airway resistance syndrome
• flow limitation
• Treatment
• Arousal
• Daytime sleepiness