Backtable Brief: Diagnosing Sleep Apnea in Women

What if the most common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea in women aren’t the ones doctors are trained to recognize? In this episode, Dr. Megan Durr, an otolaryngologist from the University of California San Francisco, discusses obstructive sleep apnea in women with host Dr. Gopi Shah. 

The doctors explore how symptoms in women differ from men, leading to missed diagnoses. They delve into the lack of literature on the topic and the potential for underrepresented groups to be overlooked. The conversation highlights the need for more inclusive screening tools and the long-term cardiovascular risks women face due to untreated sleep apnea. Dr. Durr emphasizes the importance of better diagnosing and treating sleep apnea in women. 

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction 

00:18 - Recognizing Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Women 

00:36 - Pregnancy and Obstructive Sleep Apnea 

01:13 - Menopause and Sleep Disorders 

01:59 - Underrepresented Groups and OSA

02:47 - Symptoms and Misdiagnosis in Women 

04:40 - Screening Questionnaires and Gender Bias 

05:59 - Clinical Observations and Gender Disparities 

09:39 - Long-term Effects of OSA in Women 

CHECK OUT THE FULL EPISODE

BackTable ENT Podcast Episode #182

Understanding OSA in Women with Dr. Megan Durr

https://www.backtable.com/shows/ent/podcasts/182/understanding-osa-in-women