Health Home > Sleep > Upper airway resistance syndrome

Upper airway resistance syndrome

Healthwise
By Jeannette Curtis; Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS

Did you find this helpful?

Be the first to rate!
Not yet rated

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), and there is no decrease in the person's airflow. The most common symptom of UARS is daytime sleepiness.

Treatment for UARS may involve surgery or using a device to keep the airway open.

Author:Jeannette Curtis
Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Medical Review:
Last Updated: 05/25/2007