Does my child have sleep apnea?
We often hear about sleep apnea among adults, but is it possible for children to have it too?
Sleep apnea causes a person’s breathing to stop during sleep. It can be due to physical factors, such as airway obstructions, or irregular brain function.
Here’s a quick overview of the common types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) happens when the muscles at the back of the throat over relax and block the airway during sleep. It can also be due to enlarged tonsils or excess weight on the neck area.
- Central sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea (CSA) happens when the brain fails to send signals to muscles that control air intake or breathing.
- Complex sleep apnea. Complex sleep apnea, on the other hand, is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.
What causes obstructive sleep apnea among children?
The most common cause of sleep apnea among children is airway blockage. The tonsils may become enlarged or swollen and keep the air from flowing freely during sleep. But there are other potential risk factors for sleep apnea, such as the following:
- Excess weight
- Having a small jaw
- Having a large tongue
- Swelling in the throat area
- Birth defects, such as down syndrome or cerebral palsy
- Exposure to tobacco smoke
While sleep apnea causes are similar for adults and children, the effects can be different. If adults are likely to experience irritability, fatigue, and sleepiness during the day, children, on the other hand, may develop behavioral problems.
Signs your child may have sleep apnea
Sleep apnea symptoms among children may vary. Here are some you can look out for:
- Snoring
- Breathing pauses during sleep
- Coughing or snorting during sleep
- Breathing through the mouth
- Waking up tired
- Poor performance in school
- Difficulties concentrating
- Having behavioral problems
- Morning headaches
- Being hyperactive
- Daytime sleepiness
Some symptoms can be similar to other health conditions. See your healthcare provider if you notice the signs listed above in your child. Your doctor will conduct tests, such as sleep tests, to diagnose sleep apnea.
See your dentist in Peace River, AB for sleep apnea in children
Does my child have sleep apnea? It’s hard to tell if your child has sleep apnea by observing their behavior and performance alone. But it helps to keep track of possible symptoms.
Your dentist in Peace River, AB can also identify sleep apnea symptoms in children. See if they accommodate and treat patients with sleep apnea.
Before your visit, prepare questions and list down medications your child is taking as well as any health condition.
Book an appointment as soon as possible with us at