Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome
Upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) is a sleep disorder caused by a breathing problem. A person who has UARS usually snores a lot and may be awakened from sleep by resistance in the airway.
Unlike a person with sleep apnea, a person with UARS does not have periods when breathing stops (apnea). The most common symptom of UARS is daytime sleepiness.
Treatment for UARS may involve surgery or using a device to keep the airway open.
Last Revised: January 20, 2012
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Mark A. Rasmus, MD - Pulmonology, Critical Care Medicine, Sleep Medicine