PEDIATRIC SLEEP APNEA
Most of us think of sleep apnea as something that only affects adults, but did you know children can be affected as well?
WHAT IS SLEEP APNEA?
Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by abnormal pauses in breathing during sleep. Each pause in breathing, called an apnea, can last from seconds to minutes. In some cases, an individual with sleep apnea may wake up several times during the night gasping for air but may not remember doing so once they fully wake up in the morning. Without that much-needed deep sleep, the individual will often experience daytime drowsiness.
SYMPTOMS IN CHILDREN
In addition to daytime drowsiness, children may also exhibit additional symptoms, such as:
ADD/ADHD type behaviors
Irritability
Inability to focus
Aggressive behavior
Frequent nighttime waking
Bed wetting
Mouth breathing
WHAT CAUSES SLEEP APNEA IN CHILDREN?
There are medical reasons such as enlarged tonsils and adenoids, frequent upper respiratory infections/ear infections (which can be caused by or exacerbated by sleep apnea), allergies and asthma – but there are also dental reasons. Did you know that a child’s dental development can affect their airway? Tooth position, narrow palate, occlusion/malocclusion issues (your child’s bite), insufficient jaw development – to list some examples – can also restrict a child’s airway and cause breathing issues.
WHAT DO I DO IF I SUSPECT MY CHILD HAS THIS PROBLEM?
Since sleep apnea requires a medical diagnosis, your pediatrician and your dentist can coordinate care. For sleep apnea related to dental issues, your dentist can recommend the best course of treatment.
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*DISCLAIMER: For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for medical/dental treatment.