Sleep Apnea in Children – Diagnosis and Treatment

Sleep Apnea continues to be a repeated cause of concern for both adults and children. Having said that, the symptoms for this sleep disorder can vary between adults and children. 

Paediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a sleep disorder observed in children wherein breathing is either partially or completely affected. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent some of the major impacts sleep apnea can have on children including growth, development and behaviour. 

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea in Children:

Children with sleep apnea condition may present the following symptoms:

• Snoring
• Inconsistent breathing 
• Restless sleep
• Possibility of coughing while sleeping
• Breathing through the mouth
• Bedwetting
• Sleep phobia or fear
• Behavioural problems

Diagnosing Sleep Apnea:

To begin with, the doctor will study your child’s medical history and then conduct a physical examination if required. Depending upon the complexity of the symptoms,  doctor might also suggest certain advanced tests like,

• Overnight Sleep Study: This test records breathing patterns, snoring, heart rate and muscle activity while your child sleeps.
• Recording Oxygen levels at various intervals: The results may be useful to the doctor to find out if any further tests are necessary to confirm sleep apnea.

Treating Sleep Apnea:

Treating Sleep Apnea depends upon the magnitude of the problem evident after test results are analyzed. The treatment may include,

• Medications to treat mild obstructive sleep apnea
• If the symptoms are moderate and severe,  doctor might consider a higher level of treatment after discussing the details with the child parents.

The Final Word:

The effects of Sleep Apnea in children can get as complicated as in adults if timely attention is not provided. Unfortunately, long-term cases can take a bit more time to resolve. However, if you strictly adhere to your treatment program and doctor’s instructions, you can see the children get a good amount of peaceful sleep

Good Nidra is an evidence-based and proven program to understand the ways and means to counter sleep apnea in children. Vastly experienced experts handling this program have brought smiles back on the faces of many children by effectively analysing, counselling and helping them overcome the worse of sleep apnea conditions.