Speech Intervention in OSAS: Case Report

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is characterized by a complete or partial interruption of airflow of the upper airways. Patients with OSAS may have speech pathology, such as hypotonia/enlargement of the tongue, hypofunction/hypomobility of palate, hypotonia of the masticatory muscles, along with changes in stomatognathic functions, justifying speech therapy as a treatment option.

Objectives: To describe the functional results after speech intervention in the treatment of mild OSAS.

Resume Report: Patient D.M.S., 50, attended the Speech Therapy Service of the Federal University of Bahia, after diagnosis of mild OSAS, presenting as main complaints disorder in breathing and snoring. The Epworth questionnaire showed low chances of falling asleep, whereas Berlin showed low chances of apnea. After an evaluation, a profile of functional hypotonia of the tongue, soft palate hypomobility, hypotonicity of masseter, and buccinator was observed. The soft palate was elongated, providing poor visualization of the uvula and palatine tonsils, characterizing a profile indicating Mallampati VI classification. The proposed therapy involved isotonic and isometric exercises, in order to adapt the compromised structures adjusting the functional work. DMS showed good adherence to the program fitting currently in grade II of Mallampati, besides no longer showing clinical signs of daytime sleepiness and fragmented sleep.

Conclusion: The patient showed improvement in mobility of the soft palate, lowered tongue dorsum and appropriate masseter tone. Thus, speech therapy shows up as another therapeutic modality that contributed to relieve the symptoms observed in this pathology, providing a better quality of life for patients.