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Pediatric sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where a child has brief pauses in breathing while sleeping. The age of children with this condition varies, but many of them are between 2 and 8 years old, according to the American Sleep Apnea Association.
Two types of sleep apnea affect children. Obstructive sleep apnea is due to a blockage in the back of the throat or nose. It’s the most common type.
The other type, central sleep apnea, occurs when the part of the brain responsible for breathing doesn’t function properly. It doesn’t send the breathing muscles the normal signals to breath.
Some children are at risk for this sleep disorder. Risk factors for pediatric sleep apnea include:
- having a family history of sleep apnea
- being overweight or obese
- Having certain medical conditions (cerebral palsy, Down syndrome..)
- being born with a low birth weight
It’s important to see a doctor if you suspect sleep apnea in your child. Your pediatrician may refer you to a sleep specialist. Untreated sleep apnea leads to long periods of disturbed sleep resulting in chronic daytime fatigue. A child with untreated sleep apnea may have difficulty paying attention in school. This can trigger learning problems and poor academic performance.
Dr Lina Moghnieh
Paediatrician
