What is sleep disordered breathing (SDB), and how does this differ from OSA?
- Confusion arises when the terms sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) or sleep-related breathing disorder (SRBD), and OSA are used interchangeably in the literature and in sleep laboratory reports.
- SRBD and SDB are disease headings under which other diseases are arranged, much like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease comprises a general reference for other specific pulmonary disease entities.
- SRBD, on the one hand, contains adult and pediatric central sleep apnea and OSA syndromes. OSA, on the other hand, is a specific adult and pediatric disorder that is diagnosed with polysomnography (PSG).
- OSA can be suspected on the basis of complaints from the patient or his or her bed partner.
- Such complaints include unintentional sleep episodes during wakefulness, daytime sleepiness, unrefreshing sleep, fatigue, insomnia, waking from sleep with breath holding, gasping or choking, loud snoring, and breathing interruptions.
- Rendering the diagnosis of OSA includes ruling out current medical, neurologic, and/or substance abuse disorders. Of note, some prescribed medications can also increase the risk for OSA.
