PEDIATRIC SLEEP APNEA

Helping Your Child Get Better, More Restful Sleep

Fair Lakes Cosmetic and Family Dentistry in Fairfax, VA is proud to offer treatment for pediatric sleep apnea! Sleep is crucial for your child’s growth and development. Good sleep is important for children’s ability to focus and learn, and poor sleep can lead to behavioral issues. Sleep apnea in children can cause significant disruptions to sleep—the condition occurs when your child’s breathing is blocked during sleep, often accompanied by an open-mouth posture.

pediatric sleep apnea

What Is Pediatric Sleep Apnea?

Pediatric sleep apnea occurs when your child’s breathing is partially or fully blocked during sleep. Children with sleep issues may snore and breathe through their mouths, waking frequently throughout the night when their breathing becomes blocked. As a result, children do not get adequate, restful sleep, which can hinder their growth and development.

Symptoms Of Pediatric Sleep Apnea

Symptoms manifest both during the day and at night. Nighttime symptoms include:

  • Snoring

  • Pauses in breathing during sleep

  • Mouth breathing

  • Bedwetting

  • Restless sleep

  • Sweating

Children with sleep apnea can also display symptoms during the day. These symptoms include:

  • Irritability

  • Behavioral issues

  • Dark circles under the eyes

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Weight gain

  • Chronic allergies

  • Swollen tonsils

Causes Of Pediatric Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition, affecting an estimated 1 billion people globally. Among children, obstructive sleep apnea occurs in approximately 1% to 5% across all age groups, including babies, infants, toddlers, children, adolescents and teenagers. However, it is most often observed in children between the ages of 2 and 6 years old.

Here are some potential contributing factors:

  • Enlarged Tonsils: Research suggests enlarged tonsils and adenoids are the most common cause of pediatric sleep apnea. Enlarged tonsils and adenoids can block the airway, especially during sleep when the muscles relax.

  • Obesity: According to Yale Medicine, obesity is a prevalent factor. That’s because excess weight can contribute to the narrowing of the airway due to fatty deposits around the throat.

  • Allergies And Asthma: Chronic nasal congestion or inflammation can obstruct the airway.

  • Family History: A genetic predisposition to sleep apnea can increase a child’s risk.

  • Environmental Factors: Secondhand smoke can increase the risk of developing sleep apnea.

  • Premature Birth: Premature infants are at a higher risk due to underdeveloped respiratory systems.

Diagnosing Pediatric Sleep Apnea

Pediatric sleep apnea is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and a sleep study if deemed necessary. Dr. Tran and Dr. Nguyen will begin by learning more about your child’s symptoms by asking questions about their sleep patterns such as snoring or daytime drowsiness. They will also do a full evaluation of your child, specifically assessing their upper airway, which may involve taking X-rays. If they determine more answers are needed to confirm the diagnosis, they may refer your child to have a sleep study performed.

Treatment For Pediatric Sleep Apnea

Treatment varies based on your child’s specific needs. The following are some common treatment options and recommendations:

Oral appliances

Some children may suffer from sleep apnea because the upper and lower jaws do not fit together properly, leading to poor mouth position during sleep. Dr. Tran and Dr. Nguyen may recommend a mouthpiece or a palatal expander to help improve mouth position and keep the airway open.

CPAP machines

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is a great option for children with sleep apnea. Children will be given a mask or nosepiece to wear during sleep. This mask is connected to a small hose, which delivers constant air pressure. 

Tonsil removal

In some cases, Dr. Tran and Dr. Nguyen may refer you and your child to an ear, nose & throat specialist for tonsil removal.

What Are The Risks Of Pediatric Sleep Apnea?

Although children often experience mild symptoms of sleep apnea, if left untreated, pediatric sleep apnea can be dangerous and lead to several complications like growth and development challenges, heart and lung conditions among other issues. Changes in your child’s sleep pattern can also affect their behavior, emotional capacity and academic performance.