You may know someone who snores and has found out they have sleep apnea. It is more common in adults, but what if your child is the one who’s doing the noisy sleeping? Kids can have this condition, with about 7% to 11% of children having some form of nighttime breathing disorder. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the signs of pediatric sleep apnea, so here is what you need to know.
How Does Sleep Apnea Occur in Kids?
Sleep apnea is a condition that refers to when someone stops breathing during the night as they rest. It can happen for multiple reasons, such as the muscles in the throat relaxing and blocking the airway, or the brain not sending the right signals to regulate breathing.
In children, the former reasoning, defined as obstructive sleep apnea, is the most common type due to larger-than-usual tonsils or adenoids (which are two small pads of tissue that are found in the back of their nose). Sometimes a tongue tie, which is when the tissue under the tongue is too tight or short, has been known to cause some problems.
Additionally, your child may have a higher risk of pediatric sleep apnea if it runs in the family, if they have a large tongue, or have certain medical conditions, such as Down syndrome.
What Should I Look Out for with Pediatric Sleep Apnea?
There are signs that you should watch out for if you believe your child has this sleep disorder. Here are notable ones:
- Snoring or gasping for air
- Breathing through their mouth
- Bedwetting after a long time of not doing so
- Night terrors
Pediatric sleep apnea can manifest differently in every child. Your little one may snore while others might not, but it’s important to keep a keen eye out for symptoms during the night and morning. You might have a hard time getting your child up from bed, or they have trouble paying attention during school. Some kids will fall asleep during the day, while others are hyperactive.
How Is Sleep Apnea in Children Treated?
The good news is that this condition can be treated. Firstly, your child will need a sleep study done to confirm a diagnosis. Then a treatment plan will be created based on what was found. In some cases, removing the tonsils and adenoids proves to be fruitful, while others may need a lip and tongue tie treatment.
To help your child get restful nights, watch out for these signs of sleep apnea. If you notice any of them, take them to an expert who can help them and get them back to healthy sleep.
About the Author
Dr. Matt Strumpf completed his pediatric specialty training in dentistry at the University of Illinois Chicago. He is a proud member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and stays up to date with modern technology and techniques.
Your child’s comfort is Dr. Strumpf’s priority during any treatment, even when treating a tongue tie that’s causing problems. Being an advocate for laser therapy, he ensures that this procedure is effective and keeps bleeding and discomfort to a minimum. To learn more about how your child may benefit from this service, schedule an appointment or call (651) 450-6111.