Developmental Issues That Stem From Pediatric Sleep Apnea

March 26, 2012

A guest blog by Nader Ahmadni of Sleepdisorders.com.

Pediatric sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by obstructed or narrowed respiration while a child sleeps. The condition affects an estimated 25 percent of children in the US and typically occurs between ages 2 and 8, though it is quite under diagnosed. Pauses in breathing during sleep in patients with pediatric sleep apnea are typically much shorter and lighter than those in adults with sleep apnea. While an adult may snore loudly and make choking noises, a child may simply stop breathing momentarily and then wake up. Both conditions can lead to sleep deprivation and a wealth of other health issues if left untreated.

Children with pediatric sleep apnea often suffer from symptoms such as restlessness and bed wetting. Parents may notice that their kids tend to snore or breathe irregularly, through their mouths. During the day, children may seem tired and inattentive as a result of poor sleep the night before. Daytime symptoms of pediatric sleep apnea can also include hyperactivity and mood swings.

The majority of pediatric sleep apnea patients have enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which physically block the child’s upper airway. Usually, a minor surgical procedure to have the tonsils and/or adenoids removed will cure the condition. However, there are other conditions that may cause sleep apnea in young children, such as physical deformities or muscle weakness. Obese children and children with thicker necks are much more prone to pediatric sleep apnea.

Finding immediate treatment for pediatric sleep apnea is perhaps even more important than for older patients. Pediatric sleep apnea that starts at such an early stage can stunt growth and lead to a number of developmental issues. Over time, if a child is not getting enough quality sleep, he or she does not acquire sufficient amounts of oxygen to aid in normal brain and body development. The child is more likely to be diagnosed later in life with health conditions like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and childhood obesity. Patients who grow up with untreated, chronic sleep apnea are also more likely to having learning disabilities, behavioral problems and metabolic problems.

In addition to making sure your child maintains proper diet and exercise, it is crucial that parents that notice symptoms of pediatric sleep apnea in their kids go to visit a primary care physician or a sleep center for further information. A sleep doctor can perform an overnight test called a polysomnography, which allows specialists to observe behavior, breathing and vital functions while the child sleeps in a sleep lab room. Data collected overnight will lead to proper diagnosis of the child’s sleep disorder so that the child can move forward with treatment either with a CPAP machine, oral appliances or surgery. As children aren’t able to identify the problem on their own, it’s crucial for parents to pay close attention to their children’s sleep habits and daytime behavior. In the event of an irregularity in breathing, be sure to visit a sleep doctor as soon as possible.

Sleepdisorders.com is designed to link sleep disorder sufferers to local sleep doctors and sleep centers. In addition to our directory of sleep doctors, you can find informational articles related to your unique sleep disorder.

Written by Steven Park · Filed Under Blog | 4 Comments

Can Bottle Feeding Increase the Risk of Sleep Apnea?

November 12, 2009

Startling News For Parents of Bottle Fed Children…

In this hour long interview, Dr. Park talks to Dr. Brian Palmer, a former dentist who has done extensive research in the field of infant oral cavity and airway development. In this discussion, Dr. Palmer shares shocking information as to why parents who bottle feed their children are putting them at higher risk for ADHD, obesity, not to mention sleep breathing disorders and what parents can do NOW to prevent these problems from developing later on.

Learn:

Why bottle feeding can make your child more prone to sleep problems as adults
How bottle fed children are more likely to perform poorly in school
Why bottle fed children are more at risk for sleep apnea,obesity, ADHD, bed wetting and more
What you can do NOW to prevent health problems for your bottle fed child