Though it is common for obstructive sleep apnea to be considered an adult only disease, there are many instances of obstructive sleep apnea in children that is reason enough to cause parents a lot of concern. In most cases, when it concerns obstructive sleep apnea in children the signs of it are noticed in children that are generally aged between two and six years and in very rare instances the problem also affects infants. Even adolescents are known to suffer from obstructive sleep apnea.
Enlarged Adenoids And Tonsils
Obstructive sleep apnea in children is generally caused by enlarged adenoids as well as tonsils that in turn prevent the free flow of air to the lungs. Sometimes, obstructive sleep apnea in children is attributed to allergies and to conditions such as cleft palate and even obesity is a reason for such a condition and even receding chin can be a reason why children come down with obstructive sleep apnea. An especially worrying situation is when a child suffers from Down s syndrome which is a condition that can increase the risk of onset of obstructive sleep apnea.
Obstructive sleep apnea children will affect the child in much the same way as it affects adults and it is a condition that makes the child snore and sweat heavily and in addition, it will also lead to disturbed sleep which results in the child frequently waking up in the middle of the night. In addition, it results in the child wetting their bed and they will feel restless and even experience night terrors.
Obstructive sleep apnea children should not be allowed to go untreated and it should also not be ignored because this can lead to poor brain development which can then manifest it in the form of problematic behavior and it also can cause attention deficit disorder. When cases of obstructive sleep apnea children occur and the child is tested regarding the level of their mental development it has been found that there are serious mental problems.
If you are a parent that suspects that your child is suffering from obstructive sleep apnea then it is necessary to get the child shown to a doctor who will diagnose the condition. Typically, treatment of obstructive sleep apnea children takes the form of having to surgically remove the adenoids and tonsils.
Obstructive sleep apnea is known to affect more than twenty million American citizens though many do not even suspect having the problem. What s more, only obstructive sleep apnea clinics can provide the necessary help to treat the symptoms. Leaving the condition untreated means risking your health and it can also impair your productivity and it can ruin personal relationships as well.
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