Revista de otología y rinología

Multidisciplinary Approach to the Patient with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Pauna HF, Serrano TLI, Moreira APSM, Cabrini MAM, Cunha MO, Bartarini GCS, Bussi MT, Valerio CC, Costa IOM, Faria AC and Zancanella E

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is characterized by episodes of upper airway obstruction with respiratory effort, during sleep. It is one of the most frequent diagnosed sleep disorder, it is frequently identified among men and women, and it has many symptoms and morbidities. Beyond the multifactorial origin, obstructive sleep disorders patients have low rates of adherence. Multidisciplinary and multi-professional approaches are a good alternative to be offered, independently of the chosen method. Here we describe the multidisciplinary approach offered to obstructive sleep apnea patients in a teaching hospital, in Southeastern Brazil. The best choice for therapeutic option has not yet been clarified, but multidisciplinary and multi-professional involvement seems to be a good alternative to improve patient’s adherence.