Can Children Get Sleep Apnea?

Submitted by New Jersey Snoring Solutions on Thu 08/31/2017 - 09:00

Contrary to what many people believe, sleep apnea does not exclusively affect older adults. Sleep apnea frequently goes undiagnosed in children as symptoms are often overlooked. If you suspect your child has sleep apnea and are looking for sleep apnea treatment in New Jersey, continue reading to learn about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options.

The Consequences of Sleep Apnea in Children

Children with sleep apnea may experience the following nighttime symptoms:

• Snoring
• Gasping for air or snorting
• Pauses in breathing
• Restlessness, tossing and turning in bed
• Heavy sweating

The inability to get a good night’s rest can affect children in their everyday lives in a variety of ways including:

• Behavioral and social problems
• Headaches, especially in the morning
• Daytime sleepiness
• Irritability, crankiness
• Hyperactivity
• Difficulty paying attention
• Difficulty waking up in the morning
• Poor memory
• Nasally voice

In addition, studies have found that sleep apnea in children has been linked to attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Diagnosing and Treating Sleep Apnea

If your child exhibits any of these symptoms or problems, you are advised to schedule an appointment with our , Dr. Ivan Stein of TMJ & Airway Associates. Like with adults, sleep apnea in children is diagnosed using a sleep study. If your child is diagnosed with sleep apnea, Dr. Stein will discuss treatment options with you.

The best treatment option for your child’s sleep apnea will depend on the cause and severity of your child’s specific case. For instance, children with enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids that block the nasal passages and make proper breathing difficult, may benefit from surgery. Other children with mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea may benefit from minimally invasive treatment options like oral appliance therapy. Oral appliances are small, portable devices with a design similar to a mouth guard. They work by clearing the airway passage to promote unobstructed breathing during sleep. Oral appliances are custom-made to fit each patient’s unique specifications.

To learn more about sleep apnea please schedule an appointment with Dr. Stein, a board certified dentist and sleep apnea specialist who has treated hundreds of adults and children with sleep apnea. Call TMJ & Airway Associates at (855) WHY-SNORE or (855) 949-7667 today.