Sleep Apnea Treatment for Children
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the regular screening of children for snoring. Children who snore every night and have additional symptoms or signs such as frequent snoring, labored breathing, gasps or snorting noises, episodes of not breathing, bedwetting, bluish discoloration of the skin, headaches on awakening, daytime sleepiness, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or learning problems may potentially have obstructive sleep apnea and should be evaluated further.
How are children treated for sleep apnea?
Many children with sleep apnea have larger tonsils and adenoids. The most common way to treat sleep apnea is to remove tonsils and adenoids when recommended. Other treatments include a nasal positive airway pressure which require your child to wear a mask while they sleep. Weight loss in overweight children can also help improve sleep apnea. Dentists play an important role, we evaluate the facial structures of a growing child and can recognize any reductions in size, shape, positioning of the jaw that could reduce the efficiency of airflow.
Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, reducing nasal congestion, surgical interventions, continuous positive pressure machines and oral appliances.
If you would like to learn more about which pediatric sleep apnea treatment is right for your child, book a consultation with our partner sleep apnea specialist office, Worcester Sleep Dentistry.