Children’s Sleep Apnoea

Children’s Sleep Apnoea Treatment Cairns

Obstructive sleep apnoea in children

Just like adults, children too can suffer from sleep apnoea while sleeping. Sleep apnoea can cause learning and behaviour difficulties in children and so it is paramount that you take your child for a check-up with a doctor or at Dental Sleep Medicine.

What causes sleep apnoea in children?

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) can be caused in children for several reasons, including:

  • Relaxed upper airway muscles
  • Enlarged tonsils and adenoids
  • Obesity
  • Long-term allergies
  • Muscle weakness
  • Low muscle tone
  • Airway or facial abnormalities

Signs and symptoms of sleep apnoea in children

Please note that this is not a complete list of possible symptoms, but the most common.

  • Snoring
  • Pauses in breathing
  • Trouble falling asleep
  • Choking, gasping and snorting while sleeping
  • Sweating while asleep
  • Mouth breathing while asleep
  • Morning headaches
  • Blocked sinus
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Behavioural issues

Sleep apnoea usually does not cause a child to be tired during the day, it rather impacts their concentration and behaviour. OSA can impact your child’s accomplishments and achievements at school to a large extent.

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How is sleep apnoea diagnosed?

Sleep apnoea is diagnosed in children by visiting Dr Gibbins at Dental Sleep Medicine, or your GP, as they will evaluate the child’s symptoms and decide where to progress. You may be recommended to undergo a home sleep study. You can also undergo a BEARS screening test by clicking here!

The purpose of a home sleep study is to be connected to equipment that monitors breathing, heart rate, oxygen levels and eye, brain and muscle activity while your child sleeps.

Your child will be required to stay with a parent in the sleep unit overnight, where sleep studies are undertaken.

What are the treatment option for children who sleep apnoea?

Depending on the cause, different treatments are recommended.

Removal of tonsils and adenoids

In this case, Dr Gibbins or your GP will refer you and your child to an ear-nose-throat (ENT) specialist to have an adenotonsillectomy (removal of tonsils and adenoids). Around 80-90% of children suffering from sleep apnoea without other contributing medical issues are cured by the removal of the adenoids and tonsils.

Nasal allergy treatment

It is possible that long term allergies are the culprit for sleep apnoea in a child and so they will be treated with a combination of medical treatments.

Severe sleep apnoea CPAP treatment

A small number of children suffer from severe sleep apnoea and special conditions, and in this case it is recommended to commence CPAP treatment to assist them to breathe properly while sleeping.

Lifestyle factors

If the cause for the child’s sleep apnoea is lifestyle factors such as weight, they may be referred to other health professionals for help.

Once treatment is finished, it’s important to monitor your child to see if the sleep apnoea is gone. Your child will benefit from treating sleep apnoea and be able to concentrate better at school.

If you believe your child is suffering from sleep apnoea or another disorder, it’s important to seek help. Please do not hesitate to contact the Dental Sleep Medicine team here Contact Us or call us on (07) 4051 4580 .