What is obstructive sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when a child stops breathing during sleep.  The pauses in breathing usually occur because of an obstruction of the air passages in the back of the nose or throat.  In children, the most common course for this blockage is enlargement of the tonsils and adenoids.  When the pauses in breathing occurs, oxygen levels can drop and the signals the body to breathe harder.  Breathing resumes with a loud snort or gasp.

What are the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea?

• Symptoms during sleep:
  • Loud snoring
  • Pauses in breathing or apnea with snorting, gasping and choking 
  • Restless sleep
  • Heavy, irregular breathing
  • Chest retractions (chest pulls in)
  • Frequent awakenings or arousals
  • Sleeps in strange positions
  • Excessive perspiration
  • Bedwetting

• Daytime symptoms:
  • Morning headaches
  • Frequent mouthbreathing
  • Muffled or hyponasal speech
  • Swallowing problems
  • Excessive irritability
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Learning problems
  • Hyperactive behavior
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness

How serious is obstructive sleep apnea?  What are the risks of obstructive sleep apnea?

The risks of undiagnosed and untreated obstructive sleep apnea in children include heart problems, high blood pressure, developmental problems, behavior problems, poor school performance and failure to grow.  The severity of these consequences vary and may be mild or severe.
 
What is the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea?

Once it is determined that your child has obstructive sleep apnea, usually the most effective treatment option is to remove the tonsils and adenoids.  Other treatment options might include management of a child’s allergies if they are contributing to airway obstruction or weight reduction in obese children.  A nasal mask which delivers air flow  to keep the airways open (CPAP therapy) may be considered for children who are not candidates for surgery or who continue to have obstructive sleep apnea after removal of the tonsils and adenoids.

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