Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes the sufferer to stop breathing while they sleep. This disorder goes beyond the normal pauses in breathing that are a normal part of sleep. With sleep apnea, breathing stops more often and for longer periods of time than what is considered to be normal.

The most common form of this sleep disorder that affects millions of Americans is obstructive sleep apnea. This form of the disorder is caused exclusively by an obstruction or blockage of the upper airway. Sleep apnea primarily occurs in adults; however, studies have shown that as many as 5% of children also suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. Of the children affected by sleep apnea, most of them are between the ages of 2 and 8 years old.

Causes of Sleep Apnea in Children

As we sleep, the muscles in our neck relax. Under certain circumstances, this can cause the upper airway to become blocked, resulting in obstructive sleep apnea. This obstruction or blockage can be caused by a number of different things, however, in children the cause is primarily due to enlarged tonsils and adenoids. These germ fighting tissues which reside at the back of the nasal cavity are in the prime position to block the flow of air when enlarged. Many of the other risk factors that lead to developing sleep apnea as an adult also contribute to the development of the sleep disorder in children. For example, being overweight can also narrow the airway, resulting in a blockage as the muscles in the neck relax during sleep.

A family history of obstructive sleep apnea also puts a child at a greater risk of developing the disorder themselves. If you or your spouse suffers from obstructive sleep apnea, then there is also a good chance that your children may as well. Other genetic risk factors include having a small jaw, large neck, or large tongue. Any of these features can contribute to a narrower airway which can increase the risk of sleep apnea for your child. Cerebral palsy, down syndrome, and other medical conditions that result in low muscle tone also increase the likelihood that your child will suffer from sleep apnea because they lack the muscle maturity to keep their airway open.

In many cases, children will outgrow their sleep apnea; however, this does not mean that you should not treat the disorder if you find that your child does exhibit symptoms. If the disorder is left untreated, your child may develop side effects including ADHD, heart problems, stunted growth, and even death.

Diagnosing Sleep Apnea in Your Child

Diagnosing your child with sleep apnea is a multi-step process. If your child has risk factors that increase the likelihood that they may develop the disorder, you’ll want to observe them occasionally as they’re sleeping in order to see if they are having additional symptoms or signs of the disorder. Even if your child does not have a significant amount of risk factors, if they are showing symptoms of sleep apnea then it is a good idea to consult your doctor or your child’s pediatrician.

Signs that your child may be suffering from sleep apnea include restless sleeping, snoring, gasping for air, and irregular breathing. The symptoms of sleep apnea also carry on into the day. The reduction in oxygen due to the cessation of breathing by your child can lead to them having headaches, being difficult to wake in the morning, difficulties concentrating at home or in school, increased instances of bedwetting when there had previously been no problems, and excessive tiredness throughout the day. Many children who suffer from sleep apnea also exhibit signs that they have ADHD. In fact, it can be difficult to tell the two disorders apart without using a sleep study due to their similarities.

If your child is showing signs that could indicate that they are suffering from a sleep disorder, then you will want to follow up with either your family doctor or their pediatrician. Sleep apnea is not something that should be left untreated. Your doctor will likely have your child participate in a sleep study at a sleep center. Here they will have sensors attached to feed data to a computer that the doctor will be able to review. Data detailing the movement of your child, their breathing, oxygen levels and more will be reviewed by the doctor and they will either follow up with another sleep study or advise you if they feel that your child is suffering from sleep apnea.

From that point, your doctor will work with you and your child to establish the most successful treatment plan available. Treatment plans can vary greatly depending on the severity of your child’s case. Some children outgrow the disorder fairly quickly while others may require surgery to remove their tonsils and adenoids. Your doctor will be able to discuss all of these options with you at length to help you make the right decision for your child and their needs.

If you have any questions about the cause of childhood sleep apnea, then please contact Mark Levy DDS at (614) 777-7350.