Childhood Sleep Apnea

Although typically known as a condition that primarily affects adults, sleep apnea is also found in children. Childhood sleep apnea generally affects children between the ages of two and six.  Seldomly does it affect infants and adolescents. The most common cause for childhood sleep apnea is the large size of adenoids and tonsils that prevent the correct passage of the air flow towards the lungs.

Other, though rarer, causes underlying childhood sleep apnea include allergies, cleft palate, obesity or a receding chin.  Researchers have also noted that children with Downs Syndrome are more likely to experience sleep apnea, since they have a higher risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea.

So what are the symptoms that should alert a parent? Snoring, heavy sweating, frequent wake ups, bed wetting, restlessness and night terrors are the main signs indicating a sleep disorder, which may include sleep apnea.

The most common treatment for childhood sleep apne is the surgical removal of tonsils and adenoids, the primary factors responsible for blocking the airway. If enlarged tonsils and adenoids are not the causes underlying childhood sleep apnea, then the use of CPAP treatment is usually recommended.

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