When Your Child Has Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a fairly common problem in children. But often, it's not diagnosed. This is partly because symptoms can be different than they are in adults. OSA occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep. When this happens, the brain tells the body to wake up just enough to open the airway and allow breathing again. This can happen many times during the night, even if your child doesn’t remember it. The quality of sleep can be very poor.
What causes OSA in children?
In children, enlarged tonsils and adenoids are the most common cause of sleep apnea. These are normal gland structures in the back of the throat. When muscle tone is relaxed during sleep, throat tissues may collapse on the enlarged glands and can cause a full or part blockage of airflow. Being overweight is a less common cause of OSA in children than it is in adults. In some children, the shape of the face, jaw, or tongue leads to a blocked airway during sleep. Your child’s doctor can tell you more about what’s causing your child’s sleep apnea.
What are the symptoms of OSA?
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Snoring, gasping, or snorting, along with periods of not breathing
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Breathing through the mouth, at night and during the day
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Restless sleep, or sleeping in unusual positions
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Nighttime sweating
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Bedwetting
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Trouble waking up in the morning
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Daytime sleepiness or irritability
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Headaches in the morning
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Hyperactivity and trouble paying attention
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Learning problems
How is OSA diagnosed?
The doctor may refer your child to a doctor with special training in sleep disorders or an ear, nose, and throat specialist (otolaryngologist). To diagnose sleep apnea, the doctor asks about your child’s health history and sleep habits. They examine and weigh your child. Your child may have an overnight sleep study.
What is an overnight sleep study?
To confirm a diagnosis, your child will need an overnight sleep study. This is done in a sleep lab, which may be in a hospital or special clinic. Bring pajamas for your child, as well as something that will help your child feel more comfortable, such as a stuffed animal or special blanket. You will be able to sleep in a bed near your child.
You can help prepare your child by talking about the test in an age-appropriate way. Tell your child who will be there and where you will be. Answer your child’s questions and use pictures to help explain the procedure, if that helps. During the sleep study, electrodes and sensors are attached to your child’s body. They measure many things, including:
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Activity of your child’s brain and muscles.
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Electrical activity of your child’s heart.
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Oxygen content in your child’s blood.
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Movement of the chest and belly.
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Airflow through the mouth and nose.
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Number of part or full airway blockages during the night.
How is OSA treated?
Treatment depends on your child’s age, health, and medical history. It also depends on any other health problems. Your child’s doctor may suggest the following:
What are the long-term concerns?
If not treated, OSA can cause problems with growth, learning, and behavior. It can also lead to heart, blood pressure, and lung problems in the future. But treatment can help prevent these problems, make them less severe, or make them go away. Follow treatment advice, keep follow-up appointments, and call the doctor if your child has new symptoms. Also call the doctor if you have any questions.