Read more
Pharyngeal narrowing/obstruction during sleep is often described as an inspiratory phenomenon resulting from obstructive hypopnea/apnea. It is unknown, however, whether central hypopnea can lead to airway narrowing. This book reviews recent orginal studies that evaluated changes in upper airway mechanics and caliber during sleep using imaging techniques. The main findings of this book is that upper airway is narrower during central hypopnea predominantly during the expiratory phase. The inhibition of ventilatory motor output during sleep increases expiratory retro palatal compliance. The increased airway resistance, reduced pharyngeal caliber, and increased pharyngeal compliance as a result of hypocapnia, indicates its possible role in the pathogenesis of upper airway obstruction during sleep.
About the author
Dr Sankari is a respiratory physiologist and pulmonary, critical care and sleep specialist at Wayne State University-School of Medicine. Dr Badr is a respiratory physiologist and pulmonary, critical care and sleep specialist at Wayne State University-School of Medicine. Their research focus is on the mechanism of sleep spnea.
