Sleep apnea in children.
Sleep disorders in children range from mild snoring
to a condition known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea, or OSA.
A child with obstructive Sleep apnea has partial or
complete airway blockage during sleep,
usually with loud snoring and breathing pauses.
This breathing pause is called Apnea.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious condition
that affects 2 to 4% of preschool children.
It is most common between the ages of two to seven.
But can effect infants and adolescents as well.
About 10% of children snore,
of those children 20 to 30% will have obstructive sleep apnea.
Any child that snores should see their health care provider.
Many children have mild symptoms and may outgrow the condition.
However, untreated sleep apnea in children
can lead to serious problems, including delays in growth and
development, behavior problems, hyperactivity, heart problems,
and high blood pressure.
The most common cause of obstructive sleep apnea in
children is enlarged adenoids or tonsils.
Other causes include obesity, poor muscle tone and
abnormal structures in the face, such as a deviated septum or
nasal polyps.
Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Snoring is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea.
In children under the age of five years old
parents may report other night time symptoms, such as mouth
breathing, sweating, difficult breathing, restless sleep,
frequent awakenings, and witness periods of apnea.
Daytime sleepiness is uncommon in young children.
Sleep deprivation can cause symptoms
of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
ADHD during the day.
In children, five years and
older, bed wetting is a common occurrence.
As well as behavior problems, decreased attention span and
developmental issues.
Nightmares, night terrors and
frequent morning headaches may also occur.
Children and
teens with sleep disorders may exhibit poor school performance,
daytime sleepiness, irritability, and depression.
Diagnosing Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children.
Children between ages of five to ten need at least nine
hours of sleep on a regular basis.
If you suspect your child has obstructive sleep apnea,
contact his or her healthcare provider.
A thorough history, physical exam, and
various tests may be ordered.
If obstructive sleep apnea is suspected,
then an overnight sleep test may be suggested.
The sleep test monitors your child's brain waves,
muscle tension, eye movements, breathing and
blood oxygen levels during sleep.
This test is not invasive, uses no needles, and causes no pain.
Even so, the test may make young children anxious, so most sleep
labs arrange for a parent to stay overnight with the child.
Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Treatment for obstructive sleep apnea depends on the cause.
If obstructive sleep apnea is linked with repeated bounce
of tonsilitis, then antibiotics may help.
You may be referred to a healthcare
provider who specializes in sleep disorders.
In children with enlarged tonsils or adenoids,
surgical removal of the adenoids and tonsils, also known as
Adenotonsillectomy may be the best treatment choice.
Another treatment option is called
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP.
CPAP is commonly prescribed if a child cannot have surgery or
if a tonsillectomy failed to work.
CPAP is an air pressure device which involves wearing a mask
over the nose and mouth during sleep.
The CPAP device does not breathe for the child, but rather keeps
the airway open so the child can breathe more easily.
Some children do not tolerate CPAP well and
are bothered by wearing a mask during sleep.
For children who use CPAP frequent follow up visits to
their healthcare providers are important,
because children grow quickly and
the mask must be adjusted at least every six months.
Other treatments for
obstructive sleep apnea depend on the cause of the problem.
Children with differing defects in the face or
head may require surgical repairs.
In children who are obese or
overweight, weight loss is an ideal treatment.
But this can be a difficult process.
For children with nasal blockages, allergy testing and
treatment maybe helpful.
CPAP may also be helpful in many of these situations.
What To Do.
Always put babies to sleep on their backs to help keep their
airways open.
Do not place infants on their sides in bed.
Avoid soft bedding and other soft products in infant cribs.
Teach your children healthy habits.
Offer nutritious foods and encourage regular activity.
Limit television and computer time.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more
than two hours of television, computers, and
video games per day.
Consult your child's healthcare provider if your child has
frequent sore throats and allergy symptoms.
Follow the treatment advice of your child's
healthcare provider.
If you're child appears to be in respiratory distress,
including difficult or rapid breathing, shortness of breath,
stopped breathing or bluish skin color, call 911 immediately.
Things To Remember.
Breathing problems during sleep are common in children of
all ages.
Obstructive sleep apnea can lead to serious medical conditions.
What We Have Learned.
Obstructive sleep apnea only occurs in overweight,
older adults.
True or false?
The answer is false.
The most common cause of obstructive sleep apnea in
children is enlarged adenoids or tonsils.
True or false?
The answer is true.
Obstructive sleep apnea may cause ADHD in children?
True or false?
The answer is true.