Obstructive sleep apnea affects up to 5% of children, often going undiagnosed. Persistent, loud snoring and other symptoms can disrupt the quality sleep kids need to grow.
At Bogan Sleep Consultants in Columbia, SC, we specialize in diagnosing and treating pediatric sleep apnea with personalized care. If you're concerned about your child's sleep, schedule an appointment with our compassionate team.
Here are five key signs to watch for.
Understanding Pediatric Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when a child's airway becomes partially or fully blocked during sleep, causing them to stop breathing for short periods. These pauses, called apneas, can happen many times throughout the night. The brain senses the lack of oxygen and briefly wakes the child to reopen the airway. These awakenings are often so quick that the child doesn't remember them, but they prevent deep, restorative sleep.
The most common cause in children is enlarged tonsils and adenoids. These tissues at the back of the throat can grow large enough to obstruct airflow when the throat muscles relax during sleep. Other contributing factors can include obesity, certain genetic conditions, or structural differences in the face and jaw.
5 Signs Your Child Has Sleep Apnea
If you're concerned your child may have sleep apnea, here are five common signs to watch for:
- Loud Snoring
Persistent, loud snoring, especially when it happens most nights, is one of the hallmark signs of sleep apnea in children. It is often accompanied by pauses in breathing during sleep. - Frequent Nighttime Awakenings
Sleep apnea can cause frequent disturbances during the night, often due to the body needing to breathe or reposition to open the airway. - Daytime Sleepiness or Fatigue
Despite getting a seemingly adequate amount of sleep, children with sleep apnea may feel excessively tired, irritable, or struggle to stay awake during the day. - Behavioral or Learning Problems
Poor sleep quality caused by sleep apnea can contribute to difficulties in concentration, memory, or learning, as well as increased hyperactivity or mood swings. - Mouth Breathing or Choking Sounds During Sleep
Children who breathe heavily through their mouths or make gasping or choking noises while sleeping might be struggling with airway blockages caused by sleep apnea.
If your child exhibits any of these signs, consider seeking advice from a sleep specialist in Columbia, SC. Early diagnosis and treatment can help improve their sleep and overall quality of life.
Why Early Detection Is Crucial
Untreated sleep apnea can have long-term consequences for a child's health and development. The chronic lack of oxygen and fragmented sleep can impact cardiovascular health, growth, and metabolism. Moreover, the behavioral and academic struggles can affect a child’s self-esteem and social relationships.
Early detection and treatment are key to preventing these complications. By addressing the root cause, you can help your child get the restorative sleep they need to thrive. Effective child sleep apnea treatment allows for proper physical growth, improved school performance, and better emotional regulation.
Take the Next Step for Your Child’s Health
If you’re concerned that your child might have obstructive sleep apnea, we are here to help. The team at Bogan Sleep Consultants provides expert care for families in Columbia, SC, offering clear answers and effective treatment plans.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and help your child on the path to better sleep.
FAQ
What if my child only snores occasionally?
Occasional, quiet snoring is usually harmless, but loud, frequent snoring with gasps or pauses may require a specialist’s attention.
Is sleep apnea in children the same as in adults?
Both involve blocked airways, but children’s sleep apnea is often due to enlarged tonsils and may appear as hyperactivity, not sleepiness.
What does a sleep study for a child involve?
A sleep study monitors your child overnight to check breathing, oxygen, and sleep patterns for an accurate diagnosis.
What are the treatment options for pediatric sleep apnea?
Treatment may include tonsil and adenoid removal, orthodontics, PAP therapy, or lifestyle changes, depending on the cause.
Can my child outgrow sleep apnea?
Some kids improve as they grow, but don’t wait—early diagnosis ensures your child’s health and development aren’t impacted.
