Do You Have to Worry About Your Child Developing Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that leaves many people unable to get the quality slumber that they need. There are plenty of examples of adults suffering from this condition – but what about children? Are they at risk for sleep apnea as well? As a parent, you need to make sure that you’re well-informed when it comes to potential threats to your little one’s health; here are the basics when it comes to children and sleep-disordered breathing.

Can Children Have Sleep Apnea?

Yes, they can. It’s estimated that roughly 1 to 5 percent of children have obstructive sleep apnea, which is the name for sleep apnea caused by a blocked airway. Furthermore, in rare cases, a child might have a genetic disorder that could lead to central sleep apnea, meaning that the part of the brain that controls breathing may not function properly while they’re asleep.

Some children have a higher chance of developing sleep apnea than others. In particular, those with enlarged tonsils or adenoids may be more likely to have their airways blocked. Other risk factors include being overweight, having a family history of sleep apnea, and suffering from certain medical conditions like cerebral palsy.

How Will You Know If Your Child Has Sleep Apnea?

Sadly, sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed in people of all ages. As such, it pays to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of pediatric sleep apnea so that you can recognize when your child might need help from a professional. Here are some of the warning signs of sleep apnea in children:

• Loud snoring
• Pauses in breathing while asleep that last for 10 seconds or more
• Mouth breathing
• Sleep terrors and bedwetting
• Daytime fatigue
• Having trouble waking up in the morning

What Happens if Sleep Apnea is Left Untreated?

If your child’s sleep apnea isn’t dealt with, it could lead to a number of consequences. For example, their performance at school could suffer because they find it hard to pay attention. On top of that, they may become hyperactive; in fact, some children with sleep apnea are mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD. In the worst-case scenario, sleep apnea could even lead to life-threatening heart problems.

How Can Sleep Apnea in Children Be Treated?

When it comes to sleep apnea, the right approach for dealing with it can vary depending on the individual. Some children may benefit from losing weight or having their tonsils removed. Others may need to wear a personalized oral appliance to keep their airways open at night.

As a parent, the best thing you can do to help your little one get a good night’s rest is to seek a diagnosis from a professional to see if they truly have sleep apnea. If so, you can start exploring treatment options to find out which one is the right choice for your child.

About the Author

Dr. Deborah A. Romack went to Baylor College of Dentistry. Since her graduation, she has attended multiple continuing education courses about airway obstruction, snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, and upper airway resistance syndrome. She is proud to provide oral appliance therapy and other solutions for sleep apnea. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Romack at Weatherford Dental Sleep Medicine, visit her website or call (817) 594-3806.