The upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) is a respiratory disorder that occurs during sleep.

Unlike obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where there is respiratory failure or partial recovery with repeated flagrant breathing and reduced oxygen in the blood the upper airways resistance syndrome (UARS) is an extension of OSA less severe and leads rather to a disturbance of sleep due to increased work of breathing muscles, because of the diminishing size of the throat. These events fragment sleep and have little or no effect on oxygen in the blood.

Symptoms of Upper airways resistance syndrome (UARS)

(symptoms in the day are similar to those of obstructive sleep apnea):

• Insomnia
• Excessive sleepiness
• Memory loss
• Lack of concentration
• Irritability / impatience

The long-term consequences are also different:

• Hypertension,
• angina pectoris,
• myocardial infarction
• stroke.

Which exam should be done to confirm the AOS?

Confirming a diagnosis of Upper airways resistance syndrome (UARS) is based initially on polysomnography.

Is the Upper airways resistance syndrome (UARS) treatable?

The HRVAS is treatable, the treatment is the same as for obstructive sleep apnea.