Speech Therapy and OSAS: A Case Report

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is characterized by a complete or partial interruption of airflow of the upper airways. Speech therapy for OSAS has shown satisfactory results in reducing symptoms and providing a better quality of life to the bearer.

Objectives: To describe the speech therapy contributions in the treatment of moderate OSAS.

Resume Report: This is a case report. Patient T.S., male, underwent speech therapy. Diagnosed with moderate OSAS, profile associated with functional alterations, presented with symptoms of sleepiness, feeling of “choking” during sleep and snoring, making use of CPAP. The evaluation diagnosed soft palate hypofunction and elevation in the back of the tongue. Therapy aimed to suit compromised muscles contributing to increase pharyngeal lumen. In this period, isotonic and isometric exercises for the extrinsic and intrinsic muscles of the tongue, soft palate, and uvula were performed. After 15 sessions, the patient reported significant improvement in reduction of episodes of choking sensation, excessive daytime sleepiness and decreased intensity and frequency of snoring. Furthermore, positive structural changes as tone adequacy and mobility of compromised structures, resulting in regression from 4 to 1 in Mallampati scale, besides the elimination of the use of CPAP, guided by the assisting otolaryngologist.

Conclusion: Speech therapy contributed significantly to treat OSAS, improving structural and functional aspects of the velopharyngeal region, favoring higher pulmonary permeability.