Sleep apnea can be a scary thing, especially if your child is diagnosed with this dangerous and harmful sleeping disorder. If your child has been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea you may be eager to learn about what treatment options are available for your child. Since sleep apnea causes your child to stop breathing multiple times per night, it’s a good idea to get started on a treatment plan right away. Your doctor will present you with the options that they feel would be most beneficial for your child’s specific case of the sleep disorder.

The treatment options available to your child depend largely on what’s causing your child’s sleep apnea. Each cause may have a slightly different treatment plan. Talk with your doctor about what they believe is causing your child’s sleep apnea and listen closely to the treatment options. It’s also a good idea to take notes during your meeting with your doctor because hearing the diagnosis is a very emotionally charged time. You can also prepare a list of questions ahead of time to take with you to your doctor so you don’t forget to ask your questions.

Treating Sleep Apnea with an Adenotonsillectomy

If your doctor determines that your child’s sleep apnea is a result of enlarged adenoids and tonsils, then they may recommend an adenotonsillectomy. This treatment option of removing the enlarged tissue that can easily obstruct your child’s airway is very effective at treating sleep apnea in most children. Your doctor will let you know if they believe that this treatment option will resolve your child’s sleep apnea. While the removal of the tissue does widen the airway, if there are other factors involved in your child’s case then it may not be the only course of action recommended by your doctor.

After the surgery you will want to have your child reevaluated to ensure that they are no longer suffering from sleep apnea. An adenotonsillectomy generally resolves sleep apnea issues in most children, however, if symptoms persist then your doctor may recommend a secondary treatment option.

Lifestyle Changes to Treat Sleep Apnea in Children

There are a number of lifestyle changes that you can help your child make that may lessen or resolve your child’s sleep apnea. If your child’s obstructive sleep apnea is caused by obesity, then dietary counseling or watching the amount of calories consumed by your child will help. A nutritionist can help you get your child on the right track towards ending their obesity.

If your child is on medication, you may want to ask your doctor if it could be contributing to their sleep apnea. Sedatives and other depressant drugs may worsen your child’s condition. It’s also recommended that you don’t let your child eat large meals just before bedtime as this can also worsen the condition.

CPAP Treatment for Children Who Suffer from Sleep Apnea

A popular treatment option for adults, CPAP or continuous positive airway pressure, is also highly effective for children. This treatment method can help in addition to an adenotonsillectomy or as a standalone treatment for sleep apnea.

Your child would be fitted with a mask that covers their nose, or mouth, or both depending on their situation. Through the mask, the CPAP machine provides gentle pressure to assist in keeping your child’s airways open. The machine can be calibrated to your child’s exact needs by your doctor.

There are a variety of CPAP machines available as well as other machines that are similar in function that your doctor can discuss with you. Your doctor can help you select the machine that is going to be the most beneficial for your child and their case of sleep apnea.

Additional Sleep Apnea Treatments

Depending on the severity of your child’s sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend different levels of treatment options. In some cases, temporary treatment options will suffice until your child outgrows the sleeping disorder. As their neck muscles and airway mature, their sleep apnea will lessen or even completely resolve itself. However, in severe cases, your doctor may recommend additional surgery to help open your child’s airway or reduce the amount of tissue that may be interrupting their breathing at night.

Your doctor will work with you to evaluate the cause of your child’s sleep apnea and come up with the treatment option that they feel will be the most effective in treating your child’s disorder. If you are concerned about your doctor’s recommendation for treatment, then you can always request a second opinion from a specialist. Be sure to let your doctor know why you are hesitant about any specific treatment option so they can discuss your concerns and alleviate any fears that you may have about your child’s treatment plan.

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