COVID-19 & Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Association and Management

Abstract

The rate and severity of COVID-19 transmission has elevated the morbidity and mortality rate across the world with failure of respiratory system being the major cause. The corona virus approach the cells through ACE-2 receptor and induce cytopathic effect triggering the pro-infalmmatory marker against the lung damage [1]. Therefore, induction of cytokines like IL6, ferritin, IL-8, leptin amongst others may contribute to the most prevailing sleep-related respiratory disorder, Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) [2]. OSA is characterized by intermittent hypoxia, which can further deteriorate the COVID-19 associated hypoxemia and prompt the pulmonary damage. Hence, OSA by itself puts at risk of COVID-19 complications and increase the mortality rate. Moreover, literature suggests the association of OSA with various comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, chronic respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, cerebrovascular disease etc., which might be more likely to develop complications of COVID-19 than other individuals considering the present statistics. Thus, OSA requires special assistance and , the management of OSA should be stressed upon for prevention and control [3].