Children

Sleep Apnea in children a completely different set of circumstances, most of all it is not life threatening as it is in the adult population! Children suffer from many types of sleep problems but snoring and sleep apnea are the most common. Therefore, if a child snores, is sleepy, can't get out of bed in the morning or simply does not get a good night's sleep it would be prudent, as a parent to seek a consultation with your pediatrician, ENT or physician who specializes in sleep medicine.

Other Important Signs and Symptoms Seen in Children:

• Hyperactivity
• ADHD or ADD Symptoms
• Behavioral Issues (Irritable)
  
• Noisy Breathers
• Nighttime Mouth Breathing
• Headaches
• Frequent Upper Airway Infections
• *Frequent Illnesses
  
• Chronic Runny Nose
• Earaches
  
• Restless Sleep
• Nightmares
  
• Bed Wetting
• Poor Concentration: Labeled a poor student in school
• *Developmental Delay

The two * denote marked effects of sleep apnea on the immune system and growth hormone respectively!

Key Clinical Factors Responsible for the Above Symptoms:

• *Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids
• Obesity
• Micrognathia or the Appearance of a Small Upper or Lower Jaw
• Retrognathia-A Retruded or Undereveloped Lower Jaw
• Allergies

*Causes of Sleep Apnea: In the majority of children, large tonsils and adnoids are the main cause of sleep apnea.

Treatment: Life can be wonderful and simple when we treat a child, firstly it is definitive and is a "cure" cause of sleep apnea not just treatmenting the symptoms! An ENT surgeon performs a routine and common procedure to remove the tonsils and adenoids for an amazing reversal of symptoms post surgically.