Programme highlight: Sleep and breathing disorders

Sleep and breathing disorders at Congress:

Sleep disordered breathing is very common in Europe - particularly obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome, which is reported to affect between 3 and 7 percent of men and 2 and 5 percent of women in developed countries. Still, no statistics are collected routinely on the associated morbidity or mortality of sleep breathing disorders generally. This year's Congress will be a great platform for interested professionals to hear the latest developments in this field.

Educational and scientific sessions include: a postgraduate course on 'Sleep disordered breathing – diagnosis and therapy', a symposium on 'Sleep apnoea: is it time for new therapies', a skills workshop on 'Cardio pulmonary exercise test interpretation –tips and pitfalls', and a state-of-the-art session on 'Sleep and breathing disorders', plus much more.*

Use the programme to find all related sessions

To search for sessions specifically linked to the topic of respiratory critical care you can use the online search tool; simply access the online programme, click on 'Advance' and select 'Sleep and Breathing Disorders' from the 'Track' options. The programme can also be used to search for keywords, speakers and dates.

Hear from ERS officers

ERS has a dedicated group to sleep and control of breathing – made up of healthcare professionals and scientists from around the world and led by experts in the field. Head of the ERS Group on Sleep and control of breathing Professor Winfried Randerath (WR) and group Secretary Professor Ramon Farre (RF) offer some insight into this year's event:

What can professionals specialising in this area expect to gain from attending this year's Congress?

WR: Sleep disordered breathing is much more than the mechanics of the upper airways. The interaction between the phenotypes of sleep apnoea and respiratory failure, the influence on cell metabolism and cardiovascular consequences, and the heterogeneity of symptoms and comorbidities are fascinating challenges for sleep and breathing specialists. I look forward to discussing these aspects in Paris, leading to new personalised therapeutic approaches beyond the simple number of breathing disturbances.

What in your opinion will be the popular topics relating to sleep and breathing disorders at this year's Congress and what will be particular highlight for you?

RF: I think that, among the very interesting program offered, the content of the symposium on new therapies for sleep apnoea will raise a considerable attention since there is a clinical need for treatment innovation. Although CPAP is the gold standard therapy for sleep apnoea, it is not best suited for all patients. For sure, both clinicians and patients will welcome effective innovations in sleep apnoea treatments.

You can join the ERS group on Sleep and control of breathing using our online platform myERS and ensure that you are kept up to date with developments and opportunities in this area.

*Note: Educational sessions (postgraduate courses, skills workshops, professional development workshops and meet the expert sessions) can be attended at an additional cost to the standard registration fee