Will My Children Need Sleep Apnea Treatment in Vero Beach?

July 26, 2018

Genetics can affect everything from the color of your hair and eyes to how tall you are to your temperament and much, much more. It’s especially apparent if you have children–it’s fun to notice that they have that little sparkle in their eyes just like your husband. Of course, as we all know, not everything passed down through genetics is so pleasant. Your husband has had sleep apnea for years, and now you’re concerned that your children may develop it as well. Is this fear well-founded or completely irrational? Today, we discuss the influence of genetics on sleep apnea as well as how you can keep your child safe from the disorder.

Can Sleep Apnea Be Passed Down Genetically?

In short, yes, but before you panic, know that sleep apnea itself isn’t what can be passed down to children, but rather the traits that could lead to its development. Factors like a large tongue, thick neck, or predisposition for obesity are all things that can be given to children through genetics, and they are also common causes of sleep apnea. Fortunately, the overwhelming majority of factors that lead to sleep apnea can be easily managed or treated.

Tips for Parents

Firstly, just because a parent has sleep apnea doesn’t mean a child necessarily will, though their chances are notably higher compared to children where no one in the family has it.

It’s important to keep an eye out for certain signs that could indicate the disorder. Does your child snore loudly all the time? Do you ever notice pauses in their breathing while they sleep? Do they always seem tired despite how much they sleep? These are common symptoms for sleep apnea that can be observed in both children and adults.

However, what is unique for children is that sleep apnea can actually make them hyperactive and cause problems with their ability to focus. This causes many children to be incorrectly diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, leaving the true disorder untreated. According to research by the American Sleep Apnea Association, some estimates show that nearly 50% of all children diagnosed with ADHD have sleep problems that could be the underlying source of their behavior.

What to Do If You’re Concerned

If any of the symptoms we touched on above sound familiar, you should call your child’s doctor so they can get to the root of the problem. They will give your child a quick exam, and two of the first things they will probably look at are their tonsils and adenoids. If these seem like they could be blocking your child’s airway, they will likely refer you to an ear, nose, and throat doctor for treatment.

If not, they will refer you to a sleep doctor who will perform a sleep test to diagnose your child’s sleeping issues. If it turns out that they do indeed have sleep apnea, they will work with you to find an appropriate treatment, whether that involves CPAP therapy or oral appliance therapy.

What to Remember

To reiterate, just because a parent has sleep apnea doesn’t mean a child will, but it is a good idea to watch out for symptoms of the disorder. To help prevent the onset of sleep apnea, you should take your child in for regular doctor visits as well as make sure they stick to a balanced diet to control their weight (obesity is the leading cause of sleep apnea in America).

Hopefully, this information will help you (and your child) sleep a little easier. If you ever have any concerns, be sure to contact their doctor, and they’ll be able to help.

About the Author

Dr. Kenneth Mogell is a certified sleep dentist who has been serving Florida for over 30 years. As a member of the American Board of Sleep Medicine and Diplomate of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, he is the local authority for sleep apnea treatment in Vero Beach. For more information on sleep apnea and what you should do if you think your child has it, he can be reached for questions through his website.