Pathology · single question
What does a patient with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) present with?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Enlarged lymph nodes
- A. Parotid enlargement is associated with Sjögren's syndrome, alcoholism, bulimia, and mumps — not specifically with OSA.
- B. Patients with OSA frequently present with ENLARGEed tonsils and adenoids (which are lymphoid tissue/lymph nodes of the upper airway). The tonsillar hypertrophy contributes to upper airway obstruction during sleep. Additionally, patients with OSA may have enlarged neck lymph nodes due to chronic upper respiratory tract inflammation. ⚠️ FLAG: Some sources list 'macroglossia' as an OSA sign — lymphadenopathy is the listed exam answer.
- C. Bald tongue/atrophic glossitis is associated with nutritional deficiencies (iron, B12, folate) — not specifically OSA.
- D. Aphthous ulcers are associated with stress, nutritional deficiency, and immune dysregulation — not specifically with OSA.