Which symptom is NOT typically associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?

Microglossia, which refers to an abnormally small tongue, is not typically associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is primarily characterized by airway obstruction that occurs during sleep, leading to various symptoms that directly relate to sleep disturbances and breathing issues.

Excessive daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of OSA due to disrupted sleep cycles caused by recurrent apneic episodes during the night. Snoring is one of the hallmark signs of OSA, often resulting from turbulent airflow through the narrowed upper airway. Episodes of apnea during sleep, characterized by pauses in breathing, are the defining feature of the condition, directly leading to the associated symptoms of excessive sleepiness and snoring.

In contrast, microglossia does not contribute to the pathophysiology of OSA, as it does not cause the mechanical obstruction of the airway that is central to this disorder. Therefore, understanding the symptoms that are aligned with OSA helps in the identification and management of the condition effectively.