Sleep apnea can also impact children

This article discusses how sleep apnea can impact children and when a child should be evaluated by a professional for sleep apnea.

When we think of a sleeping child, the picture that often comes to mind is of a cherubic face relaxed into a smile, with an air of complete peace about her. This, unfortunately, is not the case for many children (and their parents) whose nights are interrupted by a sleep disorder.

It is generally accepted that from time to time in a child’s life there will be periods when a restful night’s sleep is not a given. For a child with a sleep disorder, those nights can become the norm rather than an occasional occurrence. One type of sleep disorder, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, is more common in children than one might think and can lead to a whole host of issues during the day for a child who is affected by this condition.

There has been plenty of information made available about obstructive sleep apnea in adults over the last 20 years or so, but rarely have we heard about children being affected with the disorder. About 2 percent of children have sleep apnea, which may not seem like a lot, but to put it into context, of the approximately 16,000 children (birth to age 18) in Livingston County, 320 could possibly have this disorder.

Children who are most at risk for this disorder are those with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, skull and face abnormalities or those who are overweight.

In a report published in the August 2012 issue of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) recommends that any child who snores on a regular basis be evaluated for sleep apnea. Symptoms of this sleep disorder can include:

• Frequent snoring
• Problems breathing during the night
• Sleepiness during the day
• Difficulty paying attention
• Behavior problems

In order to make a diagnosis of sleep apnea, usually an overnight sleep study called a polysomnogram will be performed. Sensors are attached to the sleeping child to monitor breathing, oxygen levels and brain waves. This information can help the doctors determine whether sleep apnea is present.

If left untreated, complications that can arise from sleep apnea include cardiovascular problems, poor growth and developmental delays. Treatment often begins with the removal of the child’s tonsils and adenoids, as they are commonly enlarged in these children. This is an effective treatment and will often be all that is required for the child to be symptom free.

A second line of treatment is for the child to use a CPAP machine at night. This is a mask that delivers steady air pressure through the nose, keeping the airways open and allowing for more regular breathing. For children who are overweight, weight loss can improve the symptoms but a CPAP may be necessary until the excess weight is lost.

Getting proper sleep is imperative for a child to grow and develop as best they can. Any sleep disorder that interrupts or decreases the quality of their sleep is a problem worth tackling right away. Quiet nights and happy, thriving kids are things every parent hopes for as they navigate the joys and worries of raising children.

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