Sleep apnea recognized as healthcare priority at SASD Congress

At the fifth National Sleep Apnea & Sleep Disorders (SASD) Congress in Milan, experts and stakeholders called for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to be recognized as a healthcare priority. Organized by the Associazione Apnoici Italiani APS, the event highlighted that while approximately 4.5 million people in Italy suffer from moderate-to-severe OSA, only a small fraction are diagnosed and treated.

Participants advocated for OSA to be classified as a chronic disease within the Essential Levels of Assistance (LEA) to ensure better access to diagnosis and therapy. The congress emphasized the need for timely diagnostic pathways and greater patient involvement in healthcare planning.

Clinical signs of the condition include irregular snoring, breathing pauses, waking up with a sensation of choking, excessive sweating, and nocturia. These nocturnal symptoms often serve as early warning signs for cardiovascular, metabolic, and cognitive complications. During the event, free screenings conducted at Palazzo Lombardia revealed that nearly 20% of participants showed parameters suggesting a possible pathological condition requiring further clinical investigation.