Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea
Pediatric obstructive sleep apneais a sleep disorder in which your child’s breathing is partially or completely blocked repeatedly during sleep. The condition is due to narrowing or blockage of the upper airway during sleep.
There are differences between pediatric obstructive sleep apnea and adult sleep apnea. While adults usually have daytime sleepiness, children are more likely to have behavioral problems. The underlying cause in adults is often obesity, while in children the most common underlying condition is enlargement of the adenoids and tonsils.
Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications that can affect children’s growth, cognitive development and behavior.
Causes
Obesity is a common factor underlying obstructive sleep apnea in adults. But in children the most common condition leading to obstructive sleep apnea is enlarged tonsils and adenoids. However, obesity also plays a role in children. Other underlying factors can be craniofacial anomalies and neuromuscular disorders.
Risk factors
Besides obesity, other risk factors for pediatric sleep apnea include having:
Down syndrome
Abnormalities in the skull or face
Cerebral palsy
Sickle cell disease
Neuromuscular disease
History of low birth weight
Family history of obstructive sleep apnea
Complications
Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea can have serious complications, including:
Failure to grow
Heart problems
Death
