The Natural History of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Scoping Review.

ABSTRACT: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder caused by recurrent upper airway obstruction during sleep, affecting individuals across the lifespan. In children, OSA commonly results from adenotonsillar hypertrophy and may resolve spontaneously or following surgical intervention. Among adolescents and adults, OSA is more frequently associated with modifiable lifestyle factors, particularly obesity. The natural history of OSA may evolve from intermittent snoring and mild disease to moderate or severe forms if left untreated, leading to reduced health-related quality of life and overall health deterioration. Early identification of OSA, especially in mild and moderate cases, allows timely interventions to improve OSA-associated indices and may prevent progression to severe disease. Conti

SUBMITTER: Kalkanis A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12897078 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature