Understanding Childhood Sleep Apnea
It’s estimated that between one and four percent of children suffer from sleep apnea. Like adults, the overwhelming majority of these children with sleep apnea will suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). If you recognize signs that your child might have sleep apnea, Dr. Katz can help you make sure they get a correct diagnosis and safe, effective treatment.
When a child suffers from OSA, it means that a blockage in their airway causes them to stop breathing several times a night while they’re sleeping. This reduces the levels of oxygen in the bloodstream and prevents them from achieving the deep, quality sleep they need.
OSA can result in your child being restless or groggy during the day. It can have a profoundly negative impact on a child’s daytime behavior and their performance at school. Unfortunately, childhood OSA is often misdiagnosed as ADHD or another behavioral disorder. Identifying the signs and establishing a diagnosis with certainty is crucial for effectively treating the cause of their symptoms and protecting their lifelong wellness.
Symptoms of Childhood OSA
Children with OSA exhibit many of the same symptoms as adults. These can include restless sleep, loud snoring or gasping for air, and daytime moodiness and fatigue.
Additional symptoms of childhood OSA include:
- Sleepwalking
- Bedwetting
- Night sweats
- Weight gain
- Mouth-breathing
- Sore throat in the morning
- Poor attention span
- Behavioral and academic issues at school
What Causes Childhood Sleep Apnea?
One major difference between sleep apnea in children and sleep apnea in adults is that childhood sleep apnea is commonly associated with developmental issues. This is often related to the size of the child’s jaw, tongue, tonsils, or adenoids.
Dentists have expertise in how skeletal development is related to airflow and can often anticipate the onset of sleep apnea in their younger patients. Scheduling regular appointments with a trusted dentist allows them to identify and discuss these issue with parents as early as possible. This helps parents monitor for warning sign in their children and recognize the onset of sleep apnea symptoms.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Childhood Sleep Apnea
The earlier you confirm a diagnosis of your child’s sleep apnea, the more effectively it can be treated. Early diagnosis and professional care can also spare your child from a considerable amount of grief and turmoil as their untreated condition can make school very difficult for children.
Sleep apnea in children can also be the result of enlarged tonsils and/or enlarged adenoids. If this is the case with your child, surgical removal is often the appropriate course of treatment. Because children with sleep apnea are still developing and experiencing facial bone growth, it’s often possible to treat muscular and skeletal irregularities before they become permanent. Similarly, factors like weight gain are best treated with healthy lifestyle adjustments at an early age.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a child die from sleep apnea?
Children with untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may suffer from growth stunts, worsened medical conditions, and even more serious health problems over time. These may include high blood pressure, heart disease, and even death.
Recognizing the symptoms of sleep apnea is the first step to helping your child get the rest they deserve. Once they’ve been diagnosed, Dr. Katz will evaluate your child to determine the best course of treatment and help ensure a long, healthy life for your child.
Can my child be at risk from sleep apnea?
There are factors such as weight and bone structure that play major roles in the development of sleep apnea. Studies show that children are at a higher risk of developing OSA if they experience:
- Severe asthma
- Nasal allergies
- Stomach acid reflux
- Frequent upper airway infections
If you notice these signs of sleep apnea symptoms, contact their pediatrician immediately to schedule a sleep test.
Can children outgrow sleep apnea?
Many children who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may outgrow the condition. However, children with untreated sleep apnea are susceptible to developing behavioral problems and health complications.
It’s crucial to seek treatment at the first sign of sleep disorder. Contact our Greensboro office to learn more about pediatric sleep apnea and schedule your child’s consultation.
How can treating sleep apnea benefit my child?
Suffering from sleep apnea can interfere with your child’s behavior during the day due to the lack of sleep. Treating sleep apnea can support both mental and physical health:
- Receiving quality sleep
- Ease up headaches and fatigue
- Reaching ideal height and weight
- Combating childhood obesity
Protect Your Child’s Quality Sleep
At our Greensboro office, Dr. Katz is qualified to help your child get a reliable diagnosis and effective treatment. We provide care to prevent sleep apnea from affecting your child’s development or undermining their potential. Call our Greensboro office at (336) 364-8988 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation today.