Size and Mechanical Properties of the Pharynx in Healthy Men and Women

摘要: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has a marked male predominance. To determine whether there are differences in the mechanical properties of pharynx men and women that may contribute to gender difference disease incidence, we measured pharyngeal cross-sectional area during quiet breathing 77 normal 98 using acoustic pulse technique. Standard pulmonary function tests were also performed. Pharyngeal mechanics studied 23 34 by measuring change slow vital capacity maneuver. Gender was found be most important independent factor contributing size. The had significantly larger than (3.63 ± 0.10 versus 3.20 0.09 cm2, mean SEM; p < 0.01). different between women. with changing lung volume (0.60 0.14 0.12 0.02). This persisted eve...