Relationship between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and metabolic syndrome in a patient with chronic extrinsic allergic alveolitis.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a health issue of major importance globally. Although OSAS has a prevalence of 4-10% in the general population, it is less diagnosed, with redoubtable consequences on the quality of life and the professional performance. Observational studies showed that lack of sleep is correlated with weight gain and an increased risk of obesity; this relationship was confirmed by mutually reinforcing pathophysiological mechanisms. We report a case that is relevant for the consequences of the pharmaceutical treatment which proved effective in extrinsic allergic alveolitis, but was not supported by an effective intervention on lifestyle (by proper dietary adjustment and increased physical activity) thus exacerbating the obesity, the OSAS and the metabolic syndrome. We believe that this case exemplifies the relevant pathophysiological interdependence between obesity, metabolic syndrome and OSAS.