Childhood sleep apnea: When snoring is more than a noisy night
A child who snores loudly every night might seem like a funny sight. But if that snoring accompanies repeated narrowing or blockage of the airway, the effects can reach far beyond a noisy night.
Childhood sleep apnea is a condition where a child's airway becomes repeatedly blocked or narrowed during sleep. This can lead to loud snoring, gasping, restless sleep and daytime behavioral or learning problems. Enlarged tonsils and adenoids, obesity, and differences in the shape of the skull or jaw are common causes. Other risk factors include allergic rhinitis, asthma, and premature birth.
Children with certain genetic conditions, like Down syndrome, are also at higher risk. Globally, childhood obesity rates have increased, which may contribute to sleep apnea. If a child regularly snores loudly, has pauses or gasps during sleep, breathes through their mouth, or appears to struggle for breath, they should be assessed by a doctor.
Diagnosis involves a polysomnography, or overnight sleep study, which records brain activity, airflow, breathing effort, heart rate and blood oxygen. Treatment depends on the cause and severity. Enlarged tonsils and adenoids can be removed through surgery, which may improve symptoms, behavior, and sleep quality. In mild cases, nasal inflammation may be treated with anti-inflammatory steroid sprays.
For children who do not respond to these treatments, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy can be used to keep the airway open during sleep. Regular check-ups should include a question about snoring to help identify and treat childhood sleep apnea early.
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