Sleep Apnea in Children: The Importance of Early Diagnosis

Most people only associate sleep apnea with adults. But in reality, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can affect children too. It is estimated that 1 to 4 percent of children and infants suffer from sleep apnea. If your child snores or shows other signs of disturbed sleep, such as long pauses in their breathing, tossing and turning, chronic mouth breathing or night sweats, they may have sleep apnea.

OSA can have a serious impact on your child’s overall health. When children miss out on regular, restful sleep, they face an increased risk of suffering from behavioral, learning and growth problems. But sleep apnea does not have to be an issue. With early recognition and diagnosis, your child can live a healthier and happier life.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing is repeatedly interrupted. These pauses in breathing last at least ten seconds and can cause fragmented sleep and low blood oxygen levels. This interruption occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open, despite efforts to breathe. Enlarged tonsils or adenoids can also block the airway during sleep and are the most common cause of OSA in kids. 

Individuals with OSA are rarely aware that they are having difficulty breathing in their sleep. When sleep apnea continues unnoticed, sufferers can become conditioned to their daytime sleepiness and fatigue. If untreated, sleep apnea can lead to numerous physical and psychological problems. Because children are still developing and growing, it becomes even more important to detect sleep apnea early on.

There are several symptoms of OSA that you can look for when your child is sleeping. One of the most common indicators is irregular snoring that does not follow a rhythm. In fact, 20 percent of children that snore have sleep apnea. Here are several other symptoms you should look for when monitoring your child so you can detect OSA early on:

• Sleeping in an unusual position – the head may off the bed or propped up with a lot of pillows
• Pauses in breathing
• Snorting, gasping or completely waking up after breathing stops
• Heavy sweating
• Restless sleep
• Difficulty waking up even after long nights of sleep
• Morning headaches
• Bed-wetting

Another common factor that contributes to sleep apnea is obesity. OSA occurs in up to 60 percent of obese children. If you notice that your child is suffering from any of these symptoms, they could have sleep apnea. Seek professional help immediately so that you can address the problem and avoid serious effects down the road.

Now that you know about the symptoms to look out for, it’s important to know the potential side effects of OSA. When a child’s breathing is interrupted, they can face a number harmful effects. After all, sleep is essential to a child’s development. Children with OSA may experience delayed growth, behavioral problems at school and home, daytime sleepiness and, in some cases, heart failure.

Children who suffer from OSA may have trouble concentrating at school or keeping up with assignments. The lack of sleep can negatively affect a child’s ability to learn and absorb new information. Because of this, as many as 25 percent of children diagnosed with ADHD might actually have symptoms of OSA. The learning and behavioral problems associated with ADHD could be the consequence of continuous fragmented sleep.

Ultimately, pediatric sleep apnea is a serious condition that should be addressed immediately. If you suspect that your child is suffering from sleep apnea, a sleep study can be done at home to help us diagnose OSA, and there are several treatment options available. Whether it’s the surgical removal of tonsils and adenoids, positive airway pressure or simply a lifestyle change, Atlanta ENT can help your child sleep better. A well-rested child is a happy child. Contact us today at 404.255.2918 for a sleep apnea consultation.

By Ramie A. Tritt, MD, President, Atlanta ENT