Pediatric Sleep Apnea

At Dion Health Services, we offer safe and effective treatments for children and teenagers suffering from sleep apnea.

little girl snuggling a stuffed dog in a bed

Pediatric Sleep Apnea: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Pediatric sleep apnea is a serious condition that affects a child's breathing during sleep. Characterized by repeated episodes of partial or complete airway obstruction, it can lead to disrupted sleep and various health issues. It's crucial to identify and address pediatric sleep apnea early to prevent potential long-term complications. At Dion Health Services, our sleep apnea specialists offer diagnosis and comprehensive treatment for pediatric sleep apnea.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. You might notice symptoms like loud snoring, restless sleep, or daytime sleepiness in your child. Recognizing these symptoms can help you seek proper medical evaluation and treatment. There are three main types of sleep apnea:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the most common type of sleep apnea. It is caused by an airway blockage.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): With this form of sleep apnea, breathing stops due to a lack of signals from the brain.
Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome: Complex sleep apnea syndrome is a combination of OSA and CSA.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include the following:

Loud snoring
Episodes of stopped breathing
Gasping for air during sleep
Excessive daytime sleepiness

Your child may be at greater risk for developing pediatric sleep apnea if they have one or more of the following risk factors:

Obesity
Family history
Enlarged tonsils
Smoking

little girl sitting on her dad's shoulders next to her mom, sitting on a bed

Diagnosing Pediatric Sleep Apnea

With pediatric sleep apnea, achieving an accurate diagnosis early on is crucial for ensuring that your child receives the treatment they need. Sleep apnea can be diagnosed with the following methods:

Polysomnography: A sleep study that records brain waves, oxygen levels, and heart rate.
Home Sleep Apnea Testing (HSAT): This sleep apnea diagnosis method involves simpler testing, which is done at home.

Understanding and appropriately managing sleep apnea can significantly improve quality of life. If you suspect that your child may be suffering from pediatric sleep apnea, it's important to seek diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.

Treatments for Pediatric Sleep Apnea

Ensuring proper diagnosis and treatment for pediatric sleep apnea is critical. Symptoms often reveal the condition, while treatments can range from lifestyle changes to medical interventions. Our sleep apnea specialists will be happy to sit down with you and your child to discuss potential treatment options. They will evaluate your child's symptoms as well as their unique needs to determine which sleep apnea treatments will be safe and effective options. Listed below are some of the available treatments for pediatric sleep apnea.

Lifestyle and Behavioral Modifications

Healthy Diet: Encouraging a balanced diet to maintain a healthy weight.
Regular Exercise: Promoting physical activity to help manage weight and improve overall health.
Consistent Sleep Schedule: Establishing a regular bedtime routine and consistent sleep-wake times.
Sleep Environment: Ensuring a comfortable, quiet, and dark sleeping environment.

Medical and Surgical Interventions

Tonsil and Adenoid Removal: Surgical removal of the tonsils and adenoids, which are common causes of airway obstruction in children.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): A machine that delivers a constant stream of air through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep.
Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP): Similar to CPAP but provides two levels of pressure for inhalation and exhalation, making it more comfortable for some children.
Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs): Custom-fitted devices that reposition the lower jaw to keep the airway open.
Nasal Steroids: Prescribed to reduce nasal inflammation and improve airflow.
Anti-inflammatory Medications: Medications used to reduce inflammation in the airway.

Dental and Orthodontic Treatments

Palatal Expanders: Devices used to widen the upper jaw, creating more space in the nasal passages and improving airflow.
Braces and Other Devices: Used to correct dental and jaw alignment issues that may contribute to airway obstruction.

Behavioral Therapies

Positional Therapy: Training children to sleep in positions that minimize airway obstruction, such as on their side rather than their back.
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT): Exercises that strengthen the muscles of the mouth, tongue, and throat to improve breathing patterns.

Why Choose Dion Health Services for Pediatric Sleep Apnea Treatment?

When it comes to treating pediatric sleep apnea, you need a trusted partner. Dion Health Services offers specialized care aimed at meeting your child's unique needs. Our team of experienced sleep apnea specialists ensures that your child receives personalized and effective treatment, allowing them to enjoy better sleep and an improved quality of life.

We utilize the latest technology in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea, ensuring that your child gets the best possible care. Our approach to treating pediatric sleep apnea is family-centered, which ensures that parents are informed and involved throughout the process. Choose Dion Health Services for a trusted, experienced, and caring solution to pediatric sleep apnea.