Overview

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder in which the child's breathing is partially or completely blocked repeatedly during sleep. This is due to the narrowing or blockage of the upper airway during sleep. While adults with OSA usually have daytime sleepiness, children are more likely to have behavioural issues. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications that can affect children's growth, cognitive development and behaviour.

Symptoms of Pediatric OSA:

During sleep,

Snoring.

Pauses in breathing.

Restless sleep.

Snorting, coughing or choking.

Mouth breathing.

Bed wetting.

Sleep terrors.

Infants and young children with OSA don't always snore. They might just have disturbed sleep..

During the day,

Poor school performance.

Difficulty in paying attention.

Learning problems.

Behavioural problems.

Poor weight gain.

Hyperactive.

Causes & Risk Factors of Pediatric OSA:

Enlarged tonsils and adenoids – most common cause in children.

Obesity.

Craniofacial anomalies and neuromuscular disorders.

Down syndrome.

Prader Willi Syndrome.

Cerebral palsy.

Sickle cell disease.

Neuromuscular disease.

History of low birth weight.

Family history of OSA.

Complications

Pediatric OSA can have serious complications, including:

Failure to grow.

Heart problems.

Death.