What is sleep apnea in children?
According to Dr. Sanjay Manchanda, Head of the Department of Sleep Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi (India), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children is a serious sleep disorder that can affect the development and overall health of children. This condition occurs when a child's breathing temporarily stops and then resumes, causing disruptions throughout the night and affecting the child's sleep quality.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type, and occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax too much, blocking the airway. This causes breathing to stop temporarily during sleep. Children with OSA often wheeze, snore loudly, or may wake up in the middle of the night due to lack of oxygen.
Central sleep apnea is a less common form and occurs when there is a problem with the connection between the brain and the breathing muscles. Children with central sleep apnea may not receive signals from the brain to breathe properly during sleep.
Sleep apnea can develop at a very early age, even in children as young as 2 years old, says Dr. Manchanda. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are important to avoid serious health problems in the future. Children with sleep apnea can experience problems such as hyperactivity, learning disabilities, as well as heart and blood pressure problems if not treated properly.
Signs that parents should pay attention to
Sleep apnea in children can manifest itself in a variety of symptoms, especially in daily routines and bedtimes. Here are some common signs that Dr. Manchanda points out:
Mouth breathing: Children often breathe through their mouths, especially when sleeping.
Physical characteristics: Children have large tonsils or adenoids, long face, receding chin or small lower jaw.
Snoring and poor sleep: Children often snore, toss and turn or wake up many times during the night.
Daytime sleepiness: Children get tired easily, have difficulty staying awake and concentrating on studying.
Growth problems: Sleep apnea can disrupt a child's growth.
Recurrent infections: Children are susceptible to sore throats and respiratory infections due to weak immune systems.
These symptoms can seriously affect your child's health and development. If you notice these signs, consult your doctor for timely treatment.
Why is early diagnosis important?
“If left untreated, sleep apnea in children can cause behavioral problems, difficulty concentrating, poor academic performance, and developmental delays,” Dr. Manchanda stressed. “However, diagnosing the condition is fairly straightforward. Doctors will observe the child’s sleep, checking for apnea, changes in heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and pulse.”
In terms of treatment, most children will have their enlarged tonsils and adenoids removed, as this is the main cause of airway obstruction. This method is usually effective.
