Pathophysiology of Obstructive Apneas
- Initial pharyngeal obstruction:
- Usually occurs at level of velopharynx, may also occur in hypopharynx
- Pharyngeal dilator muscle hypotonia, especially during REM sleep
- Compromised anatomy of upper airway
- Consequences of occlusion
- Hypoxemia
- Hypercapnia
- Arousal
- Post-apneic Ventilation