Approximately 1-5% of children between the ages of two and eight experience childhood obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses are due to the soft tissues in the mouth and throat collapsing into the airway. It is essential to diagnose and treat childhood OSA quickly to prevent complications, such as failure to grow and heart problems.
Symptoms of Childhood OSA
Symptoms of childhood OSA can be broken down into two categories: nighttime symptoms and daytime symptoms.
Nighttime symptoms include:
- Snoring
- Pauses in breathing
- Restless sleep
- Snorting
- Coughing
- Choking
- Mouth breathing
- Sweating
- Bed-wetting
- Night terrors
Daytime symptoms include:
- Poor school performance
- Difficulty paying attention
- Learning problems at Watauga County Schools
- Behavioral problems
- Poor weight gain
- Hyperactivity
Risk Factors for Childhood OSA
Risk factors for childhood OSA include:
- Enlarged tongue, tonsils or adenoids
- Family history of OSA
- Being overweight
- Down syndrome
- Cerebral palsy
- Sickle cell disease
- Neuromuscular disease
- History of low birth weight
Diagnosing Childhood OSA
Schedule an appointment with a childhood sleep disorder expert at Blue Ridge ENT if you believe your child is experiencing childhood OSA. The physician will review your child’s symptoms, take a medical history and perform a physical exam. They may also order one or several tests, including:
- Polysomnogram
- Oximetry
- Electrocardiogram
Treating Childhood OSA
There are several treatment options available for childhood OSA, including:
- Medications. Certain medications, like topical nasal steroids, can ease symptoms of mild childhood sleep apnea. If you child has allergies, medications to manage them can also be helpful.
- Oral appliance. Mouthpieces or dental devices may also be recommended. These keep the tongue and soft tissues in place and prevent them from collapsing into the airway.
- Positive airway pressure therapy. Your child may be prescribed a machine that gently blows air through a tube into a mask to keep their airway open during sleep.
- Tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy. Removal of the tonsils and/or adenoids can ease symptoms of moderate to severe sleep apnea.
To learn more about childhood obstructive sleep apnea or to schedule an appointment with a childhood sleep expert, call Blue Ridge ENT today.