Microscopy of pharyngeal lavage showing neutrophils (A) and squamous cells and lymphocytes (B).

<p>Hemacolor fats stain. Original magnification x400.</p

Demographic characteristics of patient groups and controls.

<p>OSA: Obstructive sleep apnea. Bd-OSA: body-dependent OSA. HS: heavy snorer. RDI: respiratory distress index. ODI: oxygen desaturation index. ESS: Epworth sleepiness scale.</p><p>*: P<0.05 vs OSA.</p

Numbers of lymphocytes according to severity of OSA.

<p>Dots represent individual values. Lines represent mean values. *: P<0.05 vs mild OSA. +: P<0.05 vs mild, moderate and sever OSA.</p