Sleep Apnea in Children: Causes and Treatments

August 14, 2020
Child with sleep apnea sleeping

There is a common stereotype around obstructive sleep apnea in Boca Raton. Many people believe that it only afflicts older individuals. That is not true! This condition can affect people of any age, including young children. Left untreated, it can lead to decreased performance in school, mood problems, and other issues. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why young ones sometimes suffer from sleep apnea and what treatment options might be able to help them get the rest they need to thrive.

Causes of Sleep Apnea in Children

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can occur in children for a number of reasons. Here are a few of the most common:

  • Enlarged tonsils or adenoids. The extra tissue can partially or complete block a child’s airway during sleep.
  • Obesity. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 13 million children between the ages of 2 and 19 are obese. These young ones are at an increased risk of OSA because extra fat around the neck can interfere with the free flow of air during sleep.
  • Nasal congestion. Allergies or a deviated septum can make it difficult for children to breathe freely through their nose, which makes airway blockages much more likely.

Treating Sleep Apnea in Kids

Many experts disagree on the best way to treat OSA in children. Some doctors advocate a “wait and see” strategy because in many cases, children grow out of OSA. However, the child may suffer from significant symptoms in the meantime. Other doctors recommend the use of a CPAP machine. The problem with that is that even many adults find it difficult to comply with CPAP treatment because it tends to be uncomfortable. Thankfully, there are some effective CPAP alternatives in Boca Raton, including:

  • An oral sleep appliance. An oral sleep appliance is a small, mouthguard-like device that slightly repositions the jaw in order to keep the airway open at night. This is one of the fastest and least-invasive ways to address OSA.
  • Diet and exercise. For obese children, weight loss is often the key to finding permanent freedom from sleep apnea. They may benefit from the use of an oral sleep appliance in the meantime.
  • Correcting anatomical abnormalities. Surgery or certain types of orthodontic treatments may be able to address anatomical abnormalities that contribute to sleep apnea.

The best treatment for your child will depend on the cause of their OSA and their condition’s severity. Parents should take the time to research different treatment options, consider their pros and cons, and talk to sleep medicine experts. Then, they will be able to make a well-informed decision about how best to help their young one start sleeping soundly every night.

About the Author

Dr. Kenneth Mogell is an accomplished sleep medicine expert. As a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, he has the skills and experience necessary to help people of all ages find long-lasting relief from OSA. To learn more about Dr. Mogell and his services, contact our Boca Raton office at 561-353-5252.