Sleep Apnea in Children
Contrary to what many people believe, sleep apnea does not exclusively affect older adults. It can affect children, too. 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.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms in Children
If a child is not getting enough sleep, he or she may perform poorly in school or act out. Some children with sleep apnea are hyperactive, hostile or angry. They may breathe through the mouth instead of the nose when they are awake.
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
Why Treat Sleep Apnea Early?
Sleep apnea in children has been linked to attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) and other disorders and problems. 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
Does My Child Have Sleep Apnea?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children that snore loudly or regularly be screened for sleep disorders with a sleep specialist. If your child exhibits any of the above mentioned symptoms or problems, you are advised to schedule an appointment with our sleep apnea specialists, Drs. Ivan & Allan Stein of New Jersey Sleep Apnea Solutions. As in adults, sleep apnea in children is diagnosed using a sleep study. If your child is diagnosed with sleep apnea, Drs. Stein will discuss treatment options with you.
Sleep Apnea Treatment for Children
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.
What is an Oral Appliance?
Oral appliances are small, portable devices with a design similar to a mouth guard. They work by clearing the airway to promote unobstructed breathing during sleep. Oral appliances are custom-made to fit each patient’s unique specifications.
Schedule an Appointment
To learn more about sleep apnea treatment options for your child, please schedule an appointment with Drs. Stein, a board certified dentist and sleep apnea specialist who has treated hundreds of adults and children with sleep apnea. Call New Jersey Sleep Apnea Solutions today!
