Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that can affect children of all ages. It occurs when the airway becomes blocked, preventing the person from getting enough oxygen. This can cause them to stop breathing for short periods. In children, sleep apnea can lead to a variety of behavioral and health issues. Let's discuss the symptoms and treatment options for sleep apnea in children.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that can affect children of all ages. It occurs when the airway becomes blocked, preventing the person from getting enough oxygen. This can cause them to stop breathing for short periods.
How Can I Tell if My Child Has Sleep Apnea?
The most common sleep apnea symptoms in children are snoring and difficulty breathing. Other signs that your child may have sleep apnea include:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Behavioral problems, such as hyperactivity or aggression
- Poor school performance
- Problems with attention and focus
- Headaches
However, to formally diagnose sleep apnea in a child, your doctor will need to perform thorough testing.
Types of Sleep Apnea
There are three main types of sleep apnea:
- obstructive sleep apnea
- central sleep apnea
- complex sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea- occurs when the throat muscles relax.Central sleep apnea- occurs when the brain fails to send the correct signals to the muscles that control breathing.Complex sleep apnea- is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Risks
When it comes to sleep apnea, there are certain risks that are associated with the condition. Depending on the level of sleep apnea, if left untreated, sleep apnea can cause:
- high blood pressure
- heart disease
- stroke
- obesity
It's important to understand that sleep apnea is not just a problem for adults. Sleep apnea in children can also lead to developmental problems, such as poor academic performance and difficulty concentrating. Therefore it's imperative to seek medical attention if you suspect that your child has sleep apnea.
Contact Us Today
Dr. Firouzi is dedicated to providing excellent services to his patients in the Pittsburgh area who are suffering from sleep apnea. His team provides a wide variety of exceptional dentistry services including cosmetic and neuromuscular services.To learn more about Dr. Firouzi and his practice, contact us today at (412)274- 1126 or fill out our online appointment request form.