Did you know 22 million Americans are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea? Although you might believe the condition only affects adults, it doesn’t discriminate based on age. Children can experience nighttime pauses in breathing, too. It is estimated 7 to 11% of children have a sleep-related breathing disorder, but it’s believed at least 90% aren’t diagnosed. You don’t need to lose sleep at night worrying about your child’s breathing. Here’s how to spot the signs of children’s sleep apnea, so you and your child can sleep soundly.
Causes of Children’s Sleep Apnea
According to a 2014 study, 1 to 5% of children have obstructive sleep apnea. It’s the most common type for children and adults. It is caused by the soft tissues in the back of the mouth or throat collapsing to block the airways. It’s not uncommon for enlarged tonsils or adenoids to be the culprit behind a child’s sleep apnea. No matter the cause, the obstruction can lead to hundreds of pauses in breathing while sleeping. Each event can potentially last for one minute or longer.
Signs of Children’s Sleep Apnea
Research shows most children develop the condition between the ages of 2 to 8; however, signs of sleep apnea may not be apparent at first. Some symptoms might appear gradually, like difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity, or poor academic performance. Overall, a child’s quality of life can decline as they battle ongoing fatigue. Eventually, the frequent depletion of oxygen can take a toll on their health. You don’t need to wait for a serious problem to occur to spot sleep apnea. More common signs of the condition include:
- Loud snoring
- Coughing or choking while asleep
- Pauses in breathing
- Breathing through the mouth
- Sleep terrors
- Bedwetting
- Sleeping in odd positions
Diagnosing and Treating Sleep Apnea
If your child’s pediatrician suspects sleep apnea, they will order a sleep study to monitor them during the night. They’ll collect data about their oxygen levels, heart, rate, and other valuable information to establish a diagnosis.
If the study concludes the disorder is present, their doctor may not be in a hurry to treat it right away because children often outgrow it. If treatment is needed, changes to your child’s diet can help to maintain a healthy weight. Nasal steroids can also relieve congestion. In more rare instances, your child may need to have their tonsils or adenoids removed.
Don’t let your child lose the sleep they need for proper growth and development. You can nurture their mind and body by promoting a good night’s rest. If your child has signs of sleep apnea, contact their pediatrician right away to schedule a sleep study.
About Dr. West
Dr. West strives to help patients of all ages sleep soundly. For over 30 years, she has treated children and adults to create optimal health and wellness. Besides fostering the health of the teeth and gums, she also specializes in dental sleep medicine. If you or a loved one need sleep apnea treatment, contact our office today to schedule a consultation.