An Overview Of Sleep Apnea In Children

October 1, 2007

Sleep apnea in children is not as uncommon as you might first suspect. In fact, pediatric reports indicate obstructive sleep apnea in children seems to increase each year. Although specific causes outside of weight and heredity are relatively unknown, there are decisive forms of treatment.

Since obesity in children is on the rise, your pediatrician may want to consider the weight of your child as a possible cause. Research has shown that significant weight loss can reduce or eliminate symptoms of apnea like snoring and obstructive breathing for example. Your physician may also want to examine your child's tonsils and observe how they react to normal breathing. Children's tonsils also play a role in apnea - especially if they're determined to be obstructive to air inhalation. Usually, problems with tonsils are associated with tonsillitis, but because they're so close to the throat, they can work against the regular breathing pattern of children and apply unnecessary pressure against both the throat and the airway. This unnecessary pressure and weight is what prevents proper air-flow and of course leads to apnea or even snoring.

Both snoring and apnea are respiratory problems that may warrant the need for a cpap machine. This of course, depends upon the recommendation of your pediatrician.

See Also: Sleep Apnea Devices

About The Author:
Nicole Miller is a successful author and regular contributor to sleep-disorders-help.com.