Parents will do nearly anything to secure their children’s health, and many recognize that ensuring they get a good night’s rest is part of achieving that goal. However, for children with pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), that can be hard to accomplish.
According to research from the American Heart Association, pediatric OSA affects between one and six percent of all children, causing them to have nightly episodes that make it hard for them to breathe.
The thought of your child having trouble breathing at night may be scary, but the good news is that pediatric OSA is often treatable. With that in mind, it’s important to learn which symptoms should prompt an appointment with a pediatric lung specialist to figure out what form of treatment is best for your child.
Understanding Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Generally speaking, sleep apnea occurs when an individual periodically stops breathing or experiences shallow breathing during sleep. It is triggered when the upper airways become narrow or blocked, which can make it hard for the person to breathe in and out. During a pediatric OSA episode, your child’s brain may signal them to wake up so they can breathe, making it challenging for them to get a full, uninterrupted night’s sleep.
What Puts a Child at Risk?
Many pediatric lung specialists recognize enlarged tonsils and adenoids in the back of the mouth and nose as some of the primary causes of pediatric OSA. These enlarged tissues relax in the back of the throat, blocking the upper airway during sleep and making it difficult to breathe.
There are a number of other risk factors for pediatric OSA, though, including pre-existing conditions like cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, and sickle cell disease. A history of low birth weight can also be a risk factor, as can obesity later in childhood.
The Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea
The American Heart Association also reports that children with pediatric OSA may be at a higher risk for issues such as elevated blood pressure and hypertension, which can be indicative of heart problems later in life. OSA can also sometimes lead to problems with high cholesterol and higher-than-normal blood sugar levels, both of which can produce adverse conditions if not confronted early on.
When to See a Pediatric Pulmonologist: 5 Symptoms to Look Out For
If you suspect that your child may be experiencing sleep apnea, it’s crucial that you seek out treatment from a pediatric lung specialist as soon as possible. On that note, here are a few symptoms that should prompt you to make an appointment:
1. Making Noises During Sleep
If your child is snoring, there may be reason to be concerned, as it is one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea. It happens when the upper airways are blocked, causing tissues to vibrate when your child breathes. You should also listen for coughing, gasping, choking, or other pauses in their breathing pattern, all of which may be signs that your child is trying to take in air but has trouble doing so.
2. Having Trouble Breathing Through the Nose
If their nasal passages are obstructed, your child may instinctively open their mouth during sleep to ensure that they take in enough air. With that in mind, if you notice your child is doing an excessive amount of mouth breathing when they sleep, it’s definitely worth seeing a pediatric lung specialist to discuss whether they should be tested for OSA.
3. Having Problems During the School Day
In adults, sleep apnea often leads to excessive sleepiness during waking hours. In children, however, OSA can have the opposite effect. Some children may experience inattention, impulsivity, aggression, or even hyperactivity, making it hard to focus on learning. As a result, they may do poorly in their academic work or seem to display behavioral issues.
Nevertheless, it’s also important to note that sleep apnea symptoms can present differently in different children. Some children with OSA do, indeed, complain of being tired or have trouble staying awake during everyday activities, so it’s essential to address both types of concerns when they arise.
4. Returning to Bedwetting
If your child has started wetting the bed after staying dry at night for some time or never doing so at all, it may be a sign of sleep apnea. Some experts believe that OSA causes chemical changes in the body that raise the “awakening threshold” for children. Consequently, their brains may not recognize when a full bladder is prompting them to wake up, eventually leading to bedwetting.
5. Complaining of Morning Headaches
Since children with OSA may struggle to breathe at times during the night, they may unknowingly suffer from a drop in their blood oxygen levels. In turn, that can cause blood vessels in the brain to dilate in an effort to compensate for that loss of oxygen. When that happens, it can cause pressure and pain in the head that manifests as a morning headache. If your child is complaining of a recurring headache upon waking, it may be time to take them to see a pediatric lung specialist to get to the root of the problem.
Let a Pediatric Lung Specialist Help You and Your Child Rest Easy
Getting a good night’s rest is crucial for everyone, especially your child. However, it’s not just about the amount of sleep your child gets; it’s also about the quality. An adequate amount of high-quality sleep leads to greater physical growth, cognitive function, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.
If your child is struggling with sleep or showing any of the symptoms of pediatric OSA, consider setting up an appointment with a pediatric pulmonologist. Many treatments may work for your child, including oral devices, positional therapy medication, CPAP machines, and surgical options, if necessary.
With the right help from a doctor, you and your child can sleep more peacefully. In turn, you’ll be setting them up for greater success, both now and well into adulthood.
To discuss potential medicine, treatment plans, or any concerns regarding your child’s rest, visit Newport Children’s Medical Group.