Signs Your Child May Have Sleep Apnea
Submitted by New Jersey Snoring Solutions on Fri 08/23/2019 - 09:00
While it is true that most cases of sleep apnea are found among adults, children are not immune to the sleep disorder. Characterized by cessations in breath during sleep, sleep apnea often goes undetected. It is possible that some parents are unaware that their child has sleep apnea because they don’t know the symptoms or mistake the symptoms for symptoms of another health problem.
A good night’s rest is essential for a child’s development. Here, West Orange dentist and sleep apnea specialist Dr. Ivan Stein discusses signs your child may have sleep apnea.
Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea in Children
Nighttime symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Chronic snoring
- Pauses in breath
- Loud gasping or choking during sleep
- Restlessness or tossing and turning in bed
- Sleeping in abnormal positions
- Profuse sweating
The inability to breathe properly at night and sleep uninterrupted can affect a child’s everyday life in several ways, including:
- Difficulty waking up
- Headaches during the day
- Daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Irritability and mood swings
- Behavioral problems
What to Do If You Suspect Your Child Has Sleep Apnea
If you believe your child has sleep apnea, it’s important to seek help. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children that snore loudly or regularly be screened for sleep disorders. Sleep apnea is diagnosed by a sleep specialist. If your child is diagnosed with sleep apnea, the specialist will discuss treatment options with you. Treatments vary based on the cause and severity of the sleep apnea. Children with mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea may benefit from minimally invasive treatment like oral appliance therapy. Oral appliances are small, portable devices that fit into the mouth similarly to a mouth guard. They are designed to clear the airway passage to promote unobstructed breathing during sleep. Oral appliances are fabricated with the patient’s unique specifications in mind, so they easily fit in the mouth without causing pain or discomfort during sleep.
If you would like to speak to a sleep specialist in West Orange, contact the office of Dr. Stein. You can schedule an appointment for your child by calling New Jersey Sleep Apnea Solutions at (855) WHY-SNORE or (855) 949-7667 today.
