*Address for correspondence: Dr. J C Suri Professor and Head of Department Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital (VMMC & SJH), Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India, E mail: docjcsuri@gmail.com
Online published on 30 June, 2018.
Although they may have similar pathophysiological mechanisms, because OSA and COPD are common, even by chance alone, a substantial number of patients are afflicted by both OSA and COPD-the overlap syndrome. Nocturnal oxygen desaturation is the most important pathophysiological effect of overlap syndrome. The morbidity and mortality of overlap syndrome is greater than that of either disease alone. During evaluation of patients with either OSA or COPD, a high index of suspicion is crucial to detect the overlap syndrome. The presence of daytime hypercapnia and pulmonary hypertension, in patients having either disease, especially when mild in severity, should prompt assessment for the other disorder. Currently, CPAP with or without oxygen therapy is the treatment of choice for overlap syndrome.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD), overlap syndrome, nocturnal oxygen desaturation, hypercapnic COPD, diagnosis, treatment
