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While obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is more common in adults, children can also have OSA. When a child has sleep apnea, this means that there’s an obstruction in their airway, causing them to stop breathing several times throughout the night. This results in reduced oxygen levels in the bloodstream as well as prevents them from getting the quality sleep they need.
It’s difficult to identify childhood sleep apnea because children won’t be able to recognize the symptoms. Fortunately, our providers have the expertise to help young patients in the Texas area know what OSA is and provide treatment.
One major difference between sleep apnea in adults compared in children is that childhood sleep apnea is associated with development issues. On average, the sleep disorder affects children between the ages of two to eight.
OSA in children can be found due to the skeletal development of the throat and mouth area. Such factors as enlarged tonsils or other oral structures, and childhood obesity are more likely to develop OSA in children.
Children with sleep apnea exhibit similar symptoms as adults. Such symptoms can be restless sleep, loud snoring or gasping for air, and daytime moodiness and fatigue. Look out for these changes to see if your child has sleep apnea:
If your child is exhibiting these symptoms, Our providers recommend having a sleep study done.
If OSA is left untreated, your child can face serious health issues such as cognitive performance issues and heart problems. Additionally, there’s a strong correlation between sleep disorders and childhood obesity. Being aware of the symptoms and getting your child early detection can prevent these serious health problems from arising and becoming severe.
Furthermore, sleep apnea is also often misdiagnosed with ADHD due to both conditions having similar symptoms. When patients who have sleep apnea are being prescribed ADHD medication, they often find themselves feeling tired and continue to lack energy for their daily activities.
The earlier your child receives a diagnosis, the more effective treatment can be. Our providers recommend visiting with a sleep specialist and requesting a sleep study to be conducted. If your child is diagnosed with sleep apnea, there are many treatment options that’ll fit your child’s needs. Since sleep apnea in children can be caused by large tonsils, surgical removal may be recommended.
Since your child with sleep apnea is still developing and experiencing facial bone growth, it’s encouraged to seek professional care as it’s often possible to treat skeletal and muscular deformities before they become permanent.
Common signs include loud snoring, waking up gasping for air, excessive daytime fatigue, morning headaches, and trouble concentrating. If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to get checked for sleep apnea. Early treatment can prevent long-term health issues.
Yes, a sleep study provides the most accurate diagnosis by measuring your breathing patterns and other factors while you sleep. It’s a simple, non-invasive way to determine if you have sleep apnea and how severe it is, allowing us to recommend the best treatment for you.
With our comprehensive and personalized treatments, we can get your child to receive the quality sleep they deserve. If you believe your child is suffering from sleep apnea, schedule your consultation with one of our providers at (833) 275-3372. You can also fill out our online contact form below and one of our staff will be happy to assist you. Our providers are proud to provide his years of expertise to the Texas areas such as San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, and Houston.
