upper airway resistance syndrome
Sleep disorder characterized by increased upper airway resistance causing sleep fragmentation without significant oxygen desaturation.
Full Definition
Upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) is a sleep disorder that represents a distinct entity between normal sleep and obstructive sleep apnea. It is characterized by increased resistance in the upper airway during sleep that leads to respiratory effort-related arousals and sleep fragmentation, but without significant apneas, hypopneas, or oxygen desaturations. Patients typically present with excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and insomnia despite having normal oxygen levels during sleep. UARS requires specialized monitoring with esophageal pressure measurements for accurate diagnosis and often responds well to continuous positive airway pressure therapy.
Usage
Usage note: Commonly abbreviated as UARS in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The patient's symptoms and esophageal pressure monitoring findings were consistent with upper airway resistance syndrome." — Diagnostic report
- "Upper airway resistance syndrome may be underdiagnosed when sleep studies don't include esophageal pressure monitoring." — Clinical discussion