Does your child snore or have trouble breathing while they’re sleeping? Are they often drowsy, cranky, or moody during the day?
These could be signs of sleep apnea. Keep reading to learn more about sleep apnea and how children can get sleep apnea.
What is Sleep Apnea in Children?
Pediatric sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which your child’s breathing stops repeatedly during sleep. Apnea means a pause in breathing.
When your child’s brain detects a lapse in breathing, it momentarily wakes them up so they can resume breathing. These lapses and brief awakenings may happen regularly throughout the night, disrupting restful sleep.
What are the Different Types of Sleep Apnea?
The two main types of sleep apnea include:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form in children and occurs when there’s a partial or complete obstruction in their airways. The blockage makes it difficult for air to pass through, leading to apneas or breathing pauses that can happen throughout the night.
Central Sleep Apnea
In central sleep apnea, your child’s brain doesn’t signal their breathing muscles to take in air. As a result, they stop breathing briefly.
Central sleep apnea happens less commonly and is typically linked to an underlying health condition.
What Causes Sleep Apnea in Children?
The various causes of pediatric sleep apnea include:
Enlarged Tonsils or Adenoids
Your tonsils sit on either side at the back of the throat. Adenoids are lumps of tissue in the upper airway behind the nasal cavity.
For kids, enlarged or swollen adenoids and tonsils, usually due to an infection or inflammation, are a common cause of sleep apnea.
Obesity
Much like adults, children who are obese are more at risk of getting obstructive sleep apnea. Excess fat deposits around the throat and neck can narrow the airway, preventing proper airflow.
Certain Health Conditions
Some disorders, such as cerebral palsy, Prader-Willi syndrome, muscular dystrophy, and Down syndrome, can cause decreased muscle tone in the head and neck. Loss of muscle tone can obstruct airflow during sleep, increasing a child’s risk of developing sleep apnea.
Orthodontic Issues
An overbite or small jaw can obstruct your child’s airway, making them more likely to experience sleep apnea.
Family History
Children are more at risk of getting sleep apnea if family members have a history of apnea.
Smoke Exposure
Tobacco smoke has been linked to the development of sleep apnea in children.
What are the Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea in Children?
Children with sleep apnea may show various symptoms, including the following:
Nighttime
- Snoring, loud breathing, or mouth breathing
- Sleeptalking or sleepwalking
- Choking or gasping for air
- Waking up frequently
- Pauses in breathing
- Persistent coughing
- Restless sleep
- Night terrors
- Bedwetting
- Sweating
Daytime
- Behavioral issues like acting irritable, aggressive, impulsive, grumpy, or impatient
- Difficulty learning and paying attention
- Poor school performance
- Morning headaches
- Daytime sleepiness
- Poor weight gain
- Hyperactivity
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
Apart from bedwetting and daytime symptoms, checking up on your child while they sleep might not be enough to spot many of these warning signs. Often, parents observe nighttime symptoms when they sleep in the same room with their children, go on vacation, or during long car rides.
If you notice your child has any of these warning signs, seeing a pediatric ENT is crucial to get to the bottom of their symptoms.
When Should Parents Be Concerned About Pediatric Sleep Apnea?
You should be concerned if your child doesn’t seem to sleep well at night. Quality sleep is critical to their overall health and well-being.
If pediatric sleep apnea goes undiagnosed and untreated, it may cause behavioral issues that can disrupt your child’s life in school, at home, and socially. It can also lead to complications such as:
- Loss of bladder control
- Cognitive and growth delays
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Later on, your child may be prone to diabetes, high blood pressure, and lung or heart problems without timely sleep apnea treatment.
How Do ENTs Treat Pediatric Sleep Apnea?
Your child’s doctor at Chicago ENT may recommend a sleep study to diagnose sleep apnea. If the study reveals your child has sleep apnea, their ENT specialist will determine the best treatment option based on symptoms and the root cause.
For instance, their doctor may suggest surgery if your child has enlarged adenoids or tonsils. Removing the tonsils or adenoids can increase the size of the airway and help your child breathe easier at night, alleviating sleep apnea symptoms.
These procedures can also help decrease your child’s risk of frequent ear and throat infections. If your child has symptoms of sleep apnea, it’s essential to see our experienced, board-certified pediatric ENT doctor to protect their health and overall well-being.
Dr. Colman can accurately diagnose and treat children’s sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, ensuring your child gets the restorative rest they deserve.
Is your child showing signs of pediatric sleep apnea? Schedule an appointment at Chicago ENT in Chicago, IL, today to get your child on the path to restful sleep and a healthy future.
