[Hungarian Society for Sleep Medicine guideline for detecting drivers with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome]. / A Magyar Alvásdiagnosztikai és Terápiás Társaság módszertani ajánlása a közúti jármuvezetok egészségi alkalmasságának vizsgálatához az obstruktív alvási apnoe szindróma vonatkozásában.

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most frequent sleep-disordered breathing. The prevalence of sleep apnea in the general population is 2-4% and the main characteristics of the disease are the intermittent cessation or substantial reduction of airflow during sleep, which is caused by complete, or near complete upper airway obstruction. Decreased airflow is followed by oxygen desaturation and intermittent arousals. Untreated patients are 4-6 times more likely to cause traffic accidents than their healthy counterparts. The aims of the obstructive sleep apnea screening are to prevent and reduce the incidence of serious car accidents, which are often caused by one of the most dangerous sleep disorders. Since April 1, 2015 a modification of the 13/1992 regulation has been in force in Hungary which orders screening of obstructive sleep apnea during medical checkup of drivers. The Hungarian Society for Sleep Medicine made a guideline according to the regulation which was adapted to national circumstances and family doctors, occupational health specialists can more easily screen obstructive sleep apnea in suspected patients. In sleep ambulances the disease can be diagnosed and effective treatment can be started. Patients receiving appropriate treatment and with appropriate compliance can get their driving licence under regular care and control.

[Obstructive sleep apnea--its clinical significance, and the role of general practitioners in its treatment and care]. / Az obstruktív alvási apnoe klinikai jelentosége, a családorvos szerepe a betegek kezelésében, valamint gondozásában.

It is has been widely studied and proved that obstructive sleep apnea is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, especially hypertension, myocardial infarction and stroke. It is also important to be aware that, due to sleep apnea, hypersomnia increases the risk of accidents and the prevalence of neuropsychiatric complications (cognitive impairments, depression, memory and concentration problems, quality of life decreasing). Sleep apnea has several social and economical consequences. Family physicians have an important role in screening and recognizing sleep apnea. Effective screening methods could prevent severe, irreversible complications and could improve patients' quality of life. Family physicians should collaborate with a specialist from sleep laboratory in the field of the patients' examination, treatment and care.

[The role of family physicians in the recognition and screening of obstructive sleep apnea]. / A családorvos szerepe az obstruktív alvási apnoe szurésében, felismerésében.

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most frequent sleep disorder. The prevalence of sleep apnea in the general population is 2-4% and the main characteristic of the disease is the intermittent cessation or substantial reduction of airflow during sleep, caused by complete, or near complete upper airway obstruction. Decreased airflow is followed by oxygen desaturation and intermittent arousals. The clinical presentation of the disorder is complex. Loud snoring with breathing pauses and daytime sleepiness should raise the suspicion of sleep apnea, but we have to consider this disease if the patient has therapy resistant hypertension, heart failure, arrhythmias, stroke, depression or memory problems. Family physicians have an important role in recognizing sleep apnea. High risk patients can easily be identified by the main symptoms and using the Berlin sleep apnea questionnaire. These patients should be referred to a sleep laboratory for polysomnographic assessment and, if necessary, for further treatment.