Sleep Apnea Is A Serious Issue For Children

Snoring is a usual symptom of obstructive sleep disorder, associated with sleep apnea and ordinary among older people. This is frequently caused by the obstruction of the airway by the slack muscles of the throat and palate or falling back of tongue due to a sleeping position. Children may also be affected by sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea among infants and children are not as uncomplicated as it is frequently among adults and must be given attention.

1. Apnea of Prematurity (AOP) is diagnosed on infants who are born before completing the 34th week of pregnancy. The baby can be incapable of regulating one's own breathing due to the underdevelopment of certain brain parts and organs. Use of CPAP machine, flat sleeping position, provision of oxygen and medications to stimulate faster development of organs are among some critical medical interventions.

2. Apparent Life-Threatening Events (ALTEs) can be fatal if related to neurological or cardiac disorders and calls for emergency attention or it is actually uncomplicated. To rule out negative thoughts, the child needs medical evaluation. The manifestations are really scary like gagging, change in skin tone, choking and muscular weakening. One example is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

3. Apnea of infancy (AOI) is diagnosed among full-term babies but younger than a year old. Any sleep apnea with unknown cause is charged as AOI which usually goes away on its own. An apnea which doesn't cause any medical problem, may be considered as the child's normal breathing pattern.

4. Obstruction like an enlarge tonsil and adenoids in children qualifies as obstructive apnea among children. Adenoids are masses of tissues that connect the back of the nasal cavity to the throat that produce antibodies. Adenoids regress in five years and function in protecting the body against bacteria and viruses entering the body through the nose. This disorder can be seen in about 1 to 3 percent of the preschool-aged kids. Apneas, snoring, daytime sleepiness, difficulty in breathing and irritability are among the symptoms. This may also be a contributor to ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).

The condition of the child must be assessed with urgency if the suspicion is there. Sleep apnea among children and infants need immediate attention.