Country
% with OSA
Actual Number
United Kingdom
4.0%
2.5 million
Australia
3.1%
0.8 million
India
7.5%
85 million
China
4.2%
57 million
Korea
4.5%
2.3 million
It is estimated in the USA that although there is a known figure of approximately 25 million residents with sleep apnea, there are over twice that many with some form of major sleep disorder – 40 million in total. If these figures are to be believed, the difference is mostly attributed to undiagnosed OSA and the problem is even more enormous than we believe and constantly worsening. Children may develop sleep apnea similar to that seen in adults, and various epidemiological reports suggest a relatively high prevalence, although somewhat less than in adults. The etiology of obstructive sleep apnea in children differs from the etiology in adults in that large tonsils or adenoids are the most common cause of the disorder, although the increasing prevalence of obesity among children in recent years represents an important contributing factor in many cases. Many children with obstructive sleep apnea can be helped by tonsillectomy.
Increased Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea
- Male gender - Obesity (BMI >30) - Diagnosis of hypertension - Excessive use of alcohol or sedatives - Upper airway or craniofacial abnormalities - Smoking - Family history of OSA - Large neck circumference (>17” men; >16” women) - Endocrine and metabolic disorders
The fact that prevalence estimates of obstructive sleep apnea from North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia are not too substantially different suggests that this disease is very common not only in developed but also in developing countries. Several are the risk factors associated with development of OSA, including: -Weight gain and obesity. Although believed to be a disorder of the general population OSA is seen more in overweight individuals. Obese patients, especially those with a central distribution of fat (abdomen fat) have an increased risk of various medical disorders including OSA. Neck circumference, is also positively associated with OSA. -Aging, gender and ethnicity. Aging also plays a role as OSA is more common in the elderly than among middle-aged population. Approximately 20% of people aged 65 or older have OSA compared to approximately 10% in the 39-49 year-old age group. The prevalence ratio for adult OSA is approximate 2-3:1 in men to women. The decrease in gender prevalence differences after menopause in women suggests a pathogenetic basis for sex hormones. Additionally, OSA tends to aggregate in families. Having a first-degree relative with OSA increases one’s risk for OSA substantially. Estimated heritability of AHI is 30%-40%.There is certain prevalence in some ethnic populations, for example, Asians have approximately two times the risk of OSA compared to Caucasians. African-Americans and Mexican-Americans are also at higher risk of OSA.
focus
Infodent International | 3 2016
It is estimated that around 80% of obstructive sleep apnea cases remain undiagnosed, making it difficult to identify patients at risk of associated co-morbidities.
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