While most people think of obstructive sleep apnea as an adult condition, the truth is that this condition can also affect children. Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea is a type of sleep disorder in which your child’s breathing is partially or completely blocked while they sleep, preventing them from breathing normally and getting the rest they need. This condition is caused as a result of a narrowing or blockage of the upper airway during sleep.

Obstructive sleep apnea in children is most frequently caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids, though childhood obesity, genetics, nasal allergies, or systemic conditions such as Down syndrome or cerebral palsy may also increase your child’s risk of developing sleep apnea.

Common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Snoring
• Pauses in breathing
• Restless sleep
• Snorting, coughing or choking while asleep
• Mouth breathing
• Nighttime sweating
• Bed wetting
• Sleep terrors

Sleep apnea is known to cause behavioral problems in children, including poor performance in school, difficulty learning, difficulty paying attention and hyperactivity. We encourage you to have your child evaluated for sleep apnea if you notice these or other behavioral problems.

The treatment for your child’s sleep apnea will depend on their symptoms, age and general health, as well as on how severe their case is. Some options that our dentist may recommend include:

• A special night guard to help keep the airway open
• Myofunctional therapy, or mouth and throat exercises
• Orthodontic treatment using a palatal expander or other rapid maxillary expansion device
• Surgery to remove enlarged tonsils and adenoids
• Weight loss
• Use of a CPAP machine
• Treatment of allergies and sinus inflammations
• Avoiding allergens, secondhand smoke and indoor pollutants
• Positional therapy to teach your child to sleep in different positions

For more information about pediatric sleep apnea and to schedule your child’s consultation with our dentist, please contact our office today.