5 Treatments of Pediatric Sleep Apnea

Pediatric sleep apnea is a breathing problem that is getting common in children. It is also known as obstructive sleep apnea.  It happens when the airway of a child gets narrow while they are sleeping. Pediatric sleep apnea should not be confused with adult sleep apnea, as they are different.

In pediatric sleep apnea, children may have recurring episodes wherein they stop breathing while they are sleeping. This normally happens due to the obstruction of the airway. A common reason for obstruction is inflammation of tonsils or abnormal growth of adenoids that is located at the back portion of throat.

During an episode of sleep apnea, a child may seem breathing but actually, no air enters the lungs. When this occurs, the child may be involuntary awaken and will try to catch breath. This episode may happen for several times during the night thus resulting to poor sleep. The child may feel agitated and may not be able to focus in play or school the following day.

Without proper treatment, pediatric sleep apnea may damage the heart and the lungs due to lack of air.

What are the Symptoms of Pediatric Sleep Apnea?

Pediatric sleep apnea is common to children between three to six years old. It can also be related to other health conditions.

The severity of symptoms may vary from one child to another. Some symptoms of pediatric sleep apnea may include:

• ·        Loud snoring

• ·        Episodes of not breathing during sleep

• ·        The child is breathing through the mouth instead of the nose

• ·        The child may show signs of irritation due to poor sleep

• ·        Hyperactivity

• ·        Lack of focus during the day

• ·        The child may appear excessive sleepy the next day

• ·        In some cases, child may exhibit signs of behavioral problems in school

Pediatric sleep apnea is now recognized as one reason why children may have problems in school. Parents may see their child's pediatrician to know if their child is suffering from pediatric sleep apnea.

What are the Causes of Pediatric Sleep Apnea?

There are several causes related to pediatric sleep apnea. Some of the causes are:

• ·        The tonsils and adenoids that are found at the back of the throat are enlarged. Untreated infections may cause the enlargement. When the adenoids are enlarge, it may result to obstruction of the nasal passages where air normally enters. The enlargement of adenoids may make breathing difficult.

• ·        The muscles found in the head and neck aids in keeping the airway open. However, when a child sleeps, the muscle tone also relaxes thus allowing the tissues to close. Thus making it hard for a child to have normal breathing while sleeping.

• ·        Another possible cause of pediatric sleep apnea is unusual growth of tumor in the airways.

• ·        Certain birth defects may also be a culprit of obstruction sleep apnea

• ·        Children who have syndrome like Pierre Robin Syndrome may also developed pediatric sleep apnea later on.

• ·        Overweight is also another factor that may have direct relation though this is reason that is more common in adult sleep apnea than in pediatric cases.

What are the Treatments for Pediatric Sleep Apnea?

Treatments related to sleep apnea differ for each child. Your child's pediatrician along with the help of otolaryngologist may create a course of treatment based on the following:

• ·        The main cause of your child's condition.

• ·        Over all health of your child.

• ·        Expectation for the treatment

• ·        Parent's preferred way of treatment

Your doctor may determine the right course of treatment. Some possible treatments may include:

            1. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure is a breathing device in the form of tube and mask. It gently blows air to make sure that the airway is not blocked. This mask is less invasive form of treatment however, it may be quite hard to convince children to wear the tube and mask while they are sleeping.

            2.  Removal of tonsils or adenoids

If the cause of pediatric sleep apnea is the tonsils or adenoids. Your doctor may recommend removal of tonsils or adenoids. This procedure may require general anesthesia. It is important that the parents and the doctor weigh the benefits and risk of the procedure.

            3. Nasal spray

Nasal spray is recommended if the cause of the condition is severe nasal allergy.

            4. Weight loss

If the cause is being over weight, your doctor may recommend that weight loss.

            5. Jaw surgery

Your child may have to undergo jaw surgery if the cause of the condition is the structure of the jaw. Oftentimes, this procedure is done those who are already in adolescents who does not respond to other type of treatments before.

Treatment s to pediatric sleep apnea may also differ depending on the severity of the condition. Discuss with your healthcare provider the several treatments available for your child.

 

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