Medica Superspecialty Hospital, part of the Manipal Hospital group, organised a comprehensive workshop on Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) for healthcare professionals from its Kolkata units. The workshop aimed to enhance awareness and equip doctors with advanced techniques for diagnosing and managing OSA through a multidisciplinary approach.
The workshop featured sessions on key topics such as Polysomnography, PAP Therapy, OSA phenotypes, anaesthesia perspectives, bariatric surgery impact, and pediatric OSA. It was spearheaded by Dr. Souvik Roy Choudhury and Dr. Shaswati Sengupta Datta, senior consultants in ENT and Sleep Apnea at Medica, who emphasised the importance of collaboration across specialities like ENT, pulmonology, bariatrics, neurology, and cardiology.
OSA, characterised by repeated obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, has significant health implications. According to recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and AIIMS New Delhi, 11 per cent of the Indian population—approximately 104 million people—suffers from OSA, with nearly 47 million experiencing moderate to severe cases.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Souvik Roy Choudhury said, "OSA affects around 1 billion people worldwide, with obesity being the most common risk factor. Other conditions like hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and anxiety also contribute. Snoring, reported in up to 94 per cent of patients, is a hallmark symptom. Left untreated, OSA can lead to complications such as cardiovascular and kidney diseases, motor vehicle accidents, and reduced quality of life."
Dr. Shaswati Sengupta Datta dispelled misconceptions surrounding OSA, stating, "While OSA is often associated with men, conditions like obesity, polycystic ovarian syndrome, menopause, and pregnancy increase its prevalence among women. It is also common in children, presenting as hyperactivity, mood swings, and growth issues. Awareness is critical as most cases remain undiagnosed. Early detection, lifestyle changes, and personalised treatment are essential for successful outcomes." She highlighted lifestyle modifications for mild cases and nasal CPAP therapy for moderate to severe cases, adding that surgical options can also benefit carefully selected patients.
Dr. Ranjan Kumar Das, Advisor of Respiratory Medicine at Medica, noted the need for a holistic approach. "OSA is a multifaceted health concern that requires a multidisciplinary strategy. This workshop equips healthcare professionals with advanced diagnostic tools and treatment techniques, emphasising the importance of personalised care and timely intervention to prevent severe health complications."
Dr. Ayanabh Debgupta, Regional Chief Operating Officer of Manipal Hospitals (East), underscored the importance of awareness. "OSA is often misunderstood, with snoring mistakenly viewed as restful sleep. Early symptom recognition and timely reporting to clinicians can prevent future complications. This workshop is a commendable step in spreading awareness and improving patient outcomes."
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