Sleep Apnea in Kids?
Most of us may consider Obstructive Sleep Apnea, or "OSA", as a problem in the purview of adults who may have excessive tissue in the mouth/throat. However OSA can also occur in young children, though the cause is often very different: excessively enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids are most often the culprit.
Common Symptoms in children:
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Non-restorative sleep (feels tired despite sleeping "enough")
Loud or raspy snoring
Gasping or choking during sleep
Irritability
Difficulty concentrating
Irregular breathing during sleep (long pauses between breaths)
Hyperactivity
Long-term Sequelae:
Because breathing (and thus oxygen) is obstructed in OSA, there is long term risk for heart and lung problems if OSA is left untreated. The stress of oxygen deprivation at night stresses the heart and lungs, leading to spikes of high blood pressure and episodes of low blood oxygenation. Early symptoms are noted above. Long term, OSA can lead to daytime high blood pressure, overall heart failure, and lung disease (pulmonary hypertension).
How can Pediatric Sleep Apnea treated?
Since the major cause of OSA in young children is excessively enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids, the treatment is often removal of the tonsils and/or adenoids. Your physician may recommend a trial of nasal steroids, as this may prevent or delay the need for surgery.
Some children, with more severe OSA, may require a C-PAP machine. This is a simple machine which helps keep the airway open during sleep, ameliorating the health risks associated with OSA.
Since every child is unique and since OSA can vary in severity (mild to severe), consult your physician if you suspect your child may have sleep apnea.
At the Texas ENT Center, our practice is carefully designed to care for you and your family. Our youngest patients, infants and toddlers, always receive special care and attention. As a board-certified otolaryngologist and a father of two, Dr. White has a special interest in sleep apnea as well as pediatric ENT care.
For more info from the American Academy of Otolaryngology, click here.
