Sleep Apnea In Children
Childhood Sleep Apnea Not Uncommon
Sleep apnea in children is fairly common. Although
it is more common in adult men than in women and children, it
is not unusual to see the condition in either of the two.
Childhood sleep apnea may be caused by obstruction of
the air passageway, such as would be caused by enlarged tonsils.
It can occur as a result of upper respiratory infection, in which
case, resolution of the infection resolves the breathing problem.
Apneas, whether in adults or children, should be diagnosed before
treatment is considered. A “sleep study” can be conducted,
in which the person’s breathing is monitored in a clinical
setting throughout the night. There are also tests that can be
conducted in the home.
Almost all cases of sleep apnea in children and adults
are accompanied by snoring. But, snoring is not always
indicative of apneas. Some people snore without having interrupted
breathing. The diagnosis is made when breathing stops repeatedly
throughout the night. One or two breaths appear to be missed.
When breathing begins again, the person typically gasps for air.
Childhood sleep apnea that is not caused by obstruction can be
caused by another medical condition or by an imbalance in the
brain’s respiratory control centers. Premature infants
have an increased risk of apneas, but with proper care,
the condition corrects itself as they mature.
Childhood sleep apnea is sometimes blamed for sudden
infant death syndrome, although the connection has not
yet been clearly defined. Doctors typically recommend having the
infant sleep on his or her side, rather than on the back or stomach.
If the cause is an obstruction in the air passages, sleeping on
the stomach could close the passageway.
A diagnosis of “central” sleep apnea in children
means that the problem is in the brain, rather than an obstruction
in the air passages. In adults, the obstructive type
is most common, although there are a few cases of complex apneas,
in which both obstructive and central problems are present.
The cause in adults is commonly a loss of firmness in the muscles
of the larynx. They collapse, instead of remaining firm. Alcohol
abuse, smoking and obesity are common risk factors.
The only one of the three that could be a problem in childhood
sleep apnea is obesity. Unless the cause is an obstruction that
needs to be surgically removed, the most common treatment
for sleep apnea in children and adults is a CPAP or continuous
positive airway pressure device. The air pressure keeps
the breathing passages open and a good night’s sleep is
restored.
A recent study has shown that sleep
apnea masks used with CPAP machines are effective at alleviating
the symptoms of sleep apnea.1
Dr Jong-Won Kim who, along with colleagues from the University
of Sydney, conducted the study said, "Sleep apnea
in children may be related to death and loss of brain cells that
lead to underdevelopment. So it is vital that medical
doctors definitely know that their prescribed method will provide
a sound sleep for their patients," Dr Kim added, "By
wearing the mask people can sleep comfortably and without fear
of choking in their sleep."
Childhood sleep apnea is common and parents should always
consult with their child's doctor if they suspect sleep
apnea is affecting their child's ability to get the restful sleep
they need to develop and remain healthy.
Related Articles:
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea Cures
Can Sleep Apnea Cause
Death?
Weight Gain Sleep Apnea Connection
Sleep Apnea Masks
Sleep Apnea Pillow
Snoring Mouthpiece
Snoring Remedies
Sleep Apnea Supplies
References:
1. New
method a dream come true for sleep apnea patients - U of Sydney
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