Sleep apnea affects millions of adults across the nation. However, this sleeping disorder does not discriminate based on age. There are many children who also suffer from the effects of obstructive sleep apnea. Pediatric sleep apnea is often different than the sleep apnea disorder that is commonly seen in adults. Due to the differences, there are often alternate treatment methods for children that can be very effective.

Causes and Symptoms for Pediatric Sleep Apnea

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea most often is caused by a young, narrow airway, being obstructed by enlarged tonsils or adenoids. While a family history of sleep apnea along with a child’s weight can play significant rolls in the severity of their sleep apnea, chances are that the obstruction occurs due to these enlarged tissues that can block the child’s airway while they’re sleeping.

Symptoms of sleep apnea can vary from child to child but may include loud breathing and snoring during sleep, periods where no oxygen is moving into or out of the child’s lungs, mouth breathing, restless sleep, sleeping in unusual positions, daytime behavioral problems or sleepiness, problems at school, bedwetting, and chronic problems with tonsils and/or adenoids or frequent ear infections. You may also notice your child waking up gasping for air or choking. It’s also common for people with sleep apnea to suffer from headaches and sore throats due to the lower oxygen saturation and breathing through their mouths.

Treatment Options for Pediatric Sleep Apnea

The most common and effective treatment option for treating children who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea is an adenotonsillectomy. A study led by the director of the Program in Sleep and Cardiovascular Medicine Susan Redline MD, MPH, and Associate Clinic Director of the Division of Sleep Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital has found that while early adenotonsillectomies in children who suffer from mild to moderate sleep apnea can be beneficial in improving their sleep apnea symptoms and their quality of life.

This research was published online in the New England Journal of Medicine and was presented at the American Thoracic Society’s International Conference. While the study showed that the adenotonsillectomy could improve sleep apnea symptoms and quality of life, it was not an effective treatment for improving attention and functioning when compared to supportive care. The evidence found in the study should be provided to both the physicians and the parents who work together to decide the best approach to treating their child’s sleep apnea disorder.

The other common treatment option for children who suffer from sleep apnea does not involve surgery. As the airway matures and grows, many cases of sleep apnea can resolve themselves over time. However, this is generally only recommended for children who present with few sleep apnea symptoms. Children with a more severe case of sleep apnea may need a more immediate treatment plan such as the surgery in order to prevent any long term damage from being done to their growing bodies, heart, and mind.

Pediatric Sleep Apnea Study

The pediatric sleep apnea study was created in partnership with eight additional institutions. A total of 397 children ages five to nine who had been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome were included in the study. These children were randomly divided into two groups. Of these children, 194 had an adenotonsillectomy within four weeks of being added to the study. The other 203 children underwent the treatment option of watchful waiting with supportive care to see if their sleep apnea would resolve without any surgery.

After seven months, all of the children were assessed with the Developmental NeuroPshychological Assessment. No significant difference between the groups were detected in the improvement of executive functioning and attention, however, other tests done by parents and teachers did reflect significant improvements in other areas. The children who had the adenotonsillectomy showed quality of life improvements, improved behavior, and reduced sleep apnea symptoms,

While it is entirely possible that the sleep apnea in these young patients could resolve itself, the data does show that the surgery can be beneficial to their young lives. This data should be taken into consideration by parents and pediatricians when it comes to selecting a treatment option for children who suffer from sleep apnea.

It is important, however, to understand the full risks of how sleep apnea can affect your child before determining which course of treatment you would like your child to undertake. Be sure to speak with your child’s doctor and even a specialist if you have any questions about treatment options regarding your child’s sleep apnea treatment. Whichever treatment option you select, be sure that you are treating the symptoms as untreated sleep apnea can be very dangerous and potentially fatal.

If you have any questions about sleep apnea or sleep apnea treatments, please contact Mark Levy DDS at (614) 777-7350.