Sleep Apnea In Children

Sleep Apnea In Children

Sleep apnea in children(2-3-4 year old) is a very real and very debilitating condition that can affect a child’s performance in school, and cause noticeable behavioral changes. There are a number of signs to look for, sleep apnea tests to determine a child’s risk, and various treatment options available to address this condition.

Is Your Child Having Problems At School?

If you are noticing your child is having problems at school – lowering of grades, behavioral problems with friends or teachers, problems staying awake during class or reports of restlessness – may be a sign that your child may be suffering from sleep apnea. Of course these problems may be caused by other factors, but it’s very worth it to explore the sleep apnea in children angle.

What Are The Signs Of Sleep Apnea In Children?

Other signs include weight loss or failure to gain weight, mouth breathing during the night, enlarged tonsils and adenoids, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Again, these symptoms may be caused by other things, and a sleep apnea test or sleep apnea quiz may give you the confirmation you need to go ahead and start looking into sleep apnea treatment options for your child.

What Is Involved In A Child Sleep Exam?

The diagnosis of sleep apnea in children may include an evaluation to find things such as previous and current medical problems and a sleep history. Based on this initial evaluation, an overnight sleep study may be suggested. Called a polysomnography test, many factors are measured. While the patient sleeps, their heart rate and rhythm, and brainwave activity is recorded and evaluated. Other measurements may include oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, and leg movement. The measurements are easy and painless.

What Are Some Treatment Options For A Child With Sleep Apnea?

If it is discovered that your child is indeed suffering from apnea, there are a number of treatment options available depending on the cause and severity. Simply removing the tonsils and adenoids may take care of sleep apnea in children in a lot of cases. If tonsil and adenoid surgery doesn’t appear to be an option, a CPAP machine may be the course of treatment. A CPAP machine gently blows air into the child’s nose thereby keeping their airway open and unrestricted.

Lifestyle can have a lot to do with sleep apnea in children too. Overweight children are much more susceptible to sleep apnea as well as other medical conditions.

Some physical factors that contribute to sleep apnea in children include allergies and large tonsils or enlarged tongue. Children with Down syndrome have increased risk of sleep apnea, and should be closely monitored for signs and symptoms.

Just as adults with sleep apnea, children with sleep apnea have increased risk of medical problems such as poor growth, headaches, increased blood pressure, and other lung and heart problems.

Sleep apnea in children is every bit as serious as sleep apnea in adults. Have your child evaluated if you feel that he or she may have problems with apnea.

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