Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which your child's

breathing is partially or completely blocked repeatedly during sleep. ... While

adults usually have daytime sleepiness, children are more likely to have

behavioral problems.

There are differences between pediatric obstructive sleep apnea and adult sleep

apnea. While adults usually have daytime sleepiness, children are more likely to

have behavioral problems. The underlying cause in adults is often obesity, while

in children the most common underlying condition is enlargement of the

adenoids and tonsils.

Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications that can

affect children's growth, cognitive development and behavior.

Symptoms

During the day, children with sleep apnea might :


_ Perform poorly in school
_ Have difficulty paying attention
_ Have learning problems
_ Have behavioral problems
_ Have poor weight gain
_ Be hyperactive

During sleep, signs and symptoms of pediatric sleep apnea might include:

_ Snoring

_ Pauses in breathing

_ Restless sleep

_ Snorting, coughing or choking

_ Mouth breathing

_ Bed wetting

_ Sleep terrors

Infants and young children with obstructive sleep apnea don't always snore. They

 might just have disturbed sleep.