Which therapy is commonly used to treat obstructive sleep apnea?

• A. Oxygen therapy
• B. Neck collar
• C. Tracheostomy
• D. Nasal CPAP

Answer: (D)

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the upper airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, causing interrupted airflow and disrupted sleep. The most effective and commonly used therapy is continuous positive airway pressure delivered through a nasal mask. This constant positive pressure acts like a splint, keeping the airway open during inspiration and preventing the collapses that generate apneas and hypopneas. By maintaining airway patency, nasal CPAP improves airflow, oxygenation, and sleep quality, and it is noninvasive and adjustable, making it the standard first-line treatment for most patients with OSA.

Oxygen therapy, while helpful for low oxygen levels, does not prevent the airway from collapsing and thus is not a primary treatment for OSA. A neck collar or chin strap lacks reliable effectiveness in preventing airway collapse during sleep. Tracheostomy bypasses the obstruction but is invasive and reserved for severe cases or when other options are not feasible; it is not used routinely.