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The prevalence of symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) among the adult UAE population is very high; people are at high risk for OSAS and experts believe this is a serious public health issue. Patients may benefit from accurate screening, evaluation, and appropriate counselling for those at high risk of sleep apnoea. Moreover, public awareness on the association of sleep apnoea with obesity may play a vital role in controlling the prevalence of obesity, and consequently OSAS in the UAE.
According to the International Journal of General Medicine, an average of 20.9% of the population who took part in a study in the UAE had symptoms of OSAS (22.9% males, 19.5% females). Some of the most common factors contributing to obstruction of sleep apnoea were excess weight and obesity, high blood pressure, old age, and a predisposition for heart stroke or failure.
According to Dr Luaay Aziz, Consultant Surgeon, ENT, Head and Neck Surgery, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, UAE, “The most common cause of sleep apnoea in adults is obesity, and anatomical abnormalities. In children, tonsil-adenoid hypertrophy is usually the main perpetrator. The current treatment is divided in to conservative and mechanical treatment, mandibular advancement devices, and several surgery options.”
Dr Aziz discussed the solutions for obstructive sleep apnoea today on the first day of the Healthcare Recruitment & Training Fair that will conclude tomorrow 2 November 2015 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, UAE.
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