Sleep well, live well
PEDIATRIC OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA
- Imtiaz Ahmad MD, MPH, FCCP
- Updated on: December 7, 2024
- Insomnia, Sleep & Health, Sleep & Teens, Sleep Apnea
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Table of Contents
Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that occurs in many children. It involves complete or partial obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. Snoring is a common warning sign for sleep apnea. This snoring is usually loud and may end with a gasp for breath. Early identification of sleep apnea is important to ensure your child’s normal growth and development.
KEY POINTS
Up to 4% of children will experience sleep apnea.
Risk factors for developing sleep apnea include large tonsils and obesity.
Early identification of sleep apnea may prevent negative consequences such as daytime sleepiness, irritability, behavioral problems, learning difficulties, and poor academic performance.
Your sleep doctor will help you determine if your child needs treatment for sleep apnea.
Am I at Risk ?
Most children with obstructive sleep apnea have a history of snoring. Risk factors for sleep apnea include large tonsils, a small chin, and obesity. Sleep apnea also is common in children with down syndrome.
GENERAL OVERVIEW
Children need healthy sleep in order for their body and brain to develop. Poor sleep in a child can cause sleepiness, irritability, behavioral problems, learning difficulties, and poor academic performance. In severe cases, a child’s sleep problem can cause high blood pressure. Obstructive sleep apnea is a common cause of disrupted sleep in children. Sleep apnea often involves brief, cyclic episodes of disturbed breathing. Some children with sleep apnea have longer periods of partial upper airway obstruction.
Sleep apnea typically occurs in conjunction with loud snoring. A child is diagnosed with sleep apnea when breathing stops for short periods during sleep. Children with sleep apnea often have large tonsils and may sleep with their mouths open. They also may sleep in unusual positions, such as sitting up. In addition, they can have headaches, nighttime sweats, and high blood pressure. Children with sleep apnea can be normal weight or obese.
TREATMENTS
Continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP) provides a stream of air through tubing to a mask that your child wears during sleep. The airflow restores normal breathing by preventing the airway from collapsing.
Weight loss is an important treatment strategy in overweight children who have obstructive sleep apnea. Adeno-tonsillectomy is a surgery that involves the removal of the adenoids and tonsils. It reduces the airway obstruction and improves breathing.
A sleep doctor can help you decide which treatment option is best for your child. The doctor may advise you to wait before beginning any treatment.
TIPS
Along with nutrition and exercise, sleep is one of the three pillars of a healthy lifestyle. You can reduce your child’s risk of obstructive sleep apnea by encouraging good food choices, daily physical activity and healthy sleep habits.
Set a regular bedtime and consistent sleep schedule for your child.
Establish a relaxing bedtime routine for your child, which may include a soothing bath or story.
Make sure that your child develops a healthy eating pattern.
Encourage your child to exercise regularly.
Help your child maintain a healthy weight.
During the winter or in dry climates, use a humidifier in your child’s bedroom to keep the air moist.
Next Steps
- Talk to your child’s doctor about any ongoing sleep problems to find and treat any underlying causes of sleep obstructive disturbances.
- If your child has sleep apnea, discuss the treatment options with the sleep doctor.
- Continue to monitor your child’s sleep, breathing, daytime alertness and behavior.
- The sleep doctor may schedule your child for a sleep study if your child has symptoms of a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea.
- Your child may need a repeat sleep study after any treatment to confirm resolution of sleep apnea.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: CONTENT DEVELOPED BY THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF SLEEP MEDICINE
QUESTIONS ABOUT A SLEEP ISSUE? LET’S TALK.
Imtiaz Ahmad, MD, MPH, FCCP
Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad is a highly qualified physician, Board Certified in Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine. He has received advanced training from some of the most prestigious institutions, including Harvard University, Cornell University, State University of New York at Brooklyn, and the University of Mississippi. SOMNAS is a medical facility that is committed to improving and maintaining the health of patients with sleep disorders. The expert team at SOMNAS is known for their compassionate and high-quality care. They offer unparalleled treatment and care to patients on the Gulf Coast of Florida, ensuring a better and healthier life for them.
Job Title: Board Certified in Pulmonary Medicine
