Pediatric Sleep Apnea – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea occurs when a child experiences partial or complete blockage of breathing during sleep. This condition causes breathing to temporarily stop and restart multiple times throughout the night due to narrowing or blockage of the upper airway.
Children and adults show different symptoms of this sleep disorder. While adults typically experience daytime sleepiness, children more commonly display behavioral issues such as hyperactivity or attention problems. The risk factors also differ between age groups.
The primary risk factor for children is enlarged tonsils and adenoids. Tonsils are the oval-shaped tissue pads at the back of the mouth, while adenoids are small tissue pads located behind the nose.
Although obesity can contribute to pediatric sleep apnea, it isn’t the main cause as it often is in adults.
Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent complications that may affect:
- Growth and development
- Learning abilities
- Behavioral health
- Heart function
Treatment options include:
- Surgical removal of enlarged tonsils and adenoids (most common first-line treatment)
- Medical devices to help maintain open airways
- Medications in some cases
Healthcare providers need to recognize symptoms promptly to ensure children receive appropriate care before complications develop.
Sleep Trouble Signs
Children with breathing problems during sleep may show several signs. These can happen at night or during the day.
Night problems often include loud snoring and times when breathing stops briefly.
Your child might sleep restlessly, making snorting or gasping sounds. Some children breathe through their mouth instead of their nose.
Sweating a lot during sleep is common too. Some kids might start wetting the bed again after they’ve been dry for a while.
Not all children with sleep breathing problems snore loudly. Some just sleep poorly.
During the day, look for:
- Morning headaches
- Mouth breathing
- Learning difficulties
- Poor school performance
- Behavior problems (hyperactivity or aggression)
- Slow weight gain
- Unusual sleepiness during the day
When to Get Medical Help
If your child snores regularly or shows any of these symptoms, contact your child’s doctor.
Don’t wait if you notice your child having trouble breathing during sleep or showing daytime symptoms that might be related to poor sleep quality.
Causes
Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea happens when throat muscles relax during sleep, blocking the child’s upper airway. This blockage leads to breathing pauses that last about twice as long as normal breaths.
When breathing stops, the brain wakes up briefly to reopen the airway. These interruptions prevent children from getting proper rest.
Several factors can increase the risk of airway blockage during sleep:
- Enlarged tonsils and adenoids – the most common cause in children.
- Birth defects affecting face or head shape.
- Certain health conditions that impact airway structure or function.
The repeated cycle of breathing stoppage and arousal disrupts sleep patterns. This makes it difficult for children to achieve the deep, restorative sleep needed for healthy development.
Risk Factors
Children with enlarged tonsils and adenoids face a higher chance of developing sleep apnea, particularly at younger ages. Excess weight is another significant concern, especially for teenagers.
Several other factors can increase a child’s risk:
- Genetic conditions like Down syndrome or Prader-Willi syndrome
- Birth defects affecting the face or skull
- Cerebral palsy, which affects movement and posture
- Sickle cell disease, a group of inherited blood disorders
- Neuromuscular disorders that impact muscle function due to nerve problems
- Low birth weight at birth
- Family history of sleep apnea
Parents should be aware of these risk factors when considering their child’s sleep patterns and breathing difficulties during sleep.
Complications
Without proper care, children with obstructive sleep apnea can develop several health problems. Some young children may experience slower growth compared to their peers who don’t have the condition.
Children who go without treatment face increased risks for several medical conditions:
- High blood pressure
- Elevated cholesterol levels
- Higher blood sugar may increase diabetes risk
- Various cardiovascular problems
In rare cases, children who have certain genetic conditions may experience severe symptoms that can be life-threatening. However, most children respond well to treatment, which helps prevent or manage these complications.
Growth concerns are most noticeable in infants and young children with this condition. Regular medical follow-up is important to track development and address any health issues early.
