26
Aug
What are the Signs of Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
It’s estimated that pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects between 1 and 5% of children worldwide. It can affect children of all ages, but is more prevalent between the ages of two and eight years. Knowing the signs of pediatric OSA can alert parents to this condition so they can get an accurate diagnosis from their physician. Dr. Brandi Lindsey from Olmos Park Dental in San Antonio, Texas, answers parents’ questions about pediatric obstructive sleep apnea here.
What is pediatric OSA?
Pediatric OSA is a sleep disorder that keeps children from sleeping soundly at night. While your child is sleeping, his throat muscles become so relaxed that soft tissues collapse and block his upper airways, obstructing his breathing. This causes your child to wake up abruptly, gasping for breath. Once breathing is restored, he’ll fall back asleep. This can occur dozens of times throughout the night, keeping your child from getting a good night’s sleep. Over time, sleep deprivation can take a toll on your child’s physical, cognitive, and emotional health.
What are some of the symptoms of pediatric OSA?
As pediatric OSA can have a direct impact on your child’s health and well-being, parents need to be aware of its symptoms. Some common signs of this condition are:
Loud snoring
Mouth breathing or noisy breathing while sleeping
Waking frequently, gasping for breath
Long pauses between breathing
Restlessness
Coughing or choking at night
Bedwetting
How does OSA affect a child’s behavior?
It’s no secret that sleep is essential for a child’s health and development. Over time, lack of quality sleep can lead to behavioral problems, such as:
Hyperactivity during the day
Irritability or aggression
Short attention span
Memory lapses
Poor concentration can impact a child’s performance at school
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What can cause pediatric OSA?
Children with a family history of OSA are at greater risk of developing this condition. Other factors that can contribute to pediatric OSA are:
Obesity
Enlarged adenoids and tonsils
Impaired tongue positioning
Narrow mouth, jaw, or throat anatomy
What are the treatment options for pediatric OSA?
There are different options for treating this condition and improving your child’s sleep. These include:
Weight management
Use of medication or inhalers to ease allergy, asthma, or sinus issues
Tonsil and/or adenoid removal
Oral appliance for children
What is oral appliance therapy?
Sleep apnea oral appliances resemble mouth guards used for sports play. They’re custom-made for your child’s mouth and are worn over his upper and lower teeth during sleep. The device repositions your child’s jaw to keep soft tissues from blocking his airways while he sleeps. Dr. Lindsey will custom-fit your child’s oral appliance for comfort and easy use. With nightly use, your child will be able to breathe freely and get quality sleep.
Where can I learn more about pediatric OSA treatment?
Dr. Brandi Lindsey from Olmos Park Dental is the person to see for managing pediatric OSA symptoms in San Antonio, TX. Contact us at (210) 767-3525 for all your pediatric dental care needs.
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Brandi M Lindsey, DDS, IBO, FAGD
Dr. Brandi Lindsey is a highly credentialed general dentist with over 15 years of experience, dedicated to excellence in patient care and environmental responsibility. A graduate of Michigan State University and the University of Detroit Mercy, Dr. Lindsey earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery in 2010 and is among the top 7% of general dentists who have achieved Fellowship status with the Academy of General Dentistry. She also holds a Diplomate designation with the International Board for Orthodontics. Certified in SMART dentistry, Dr. Lindsey is committed to reducing environmental impact in her practice. She also mentors fellow dentists in orthodontic and orthopedic techniques, continually advancing her knowledge and enhancing patient care.
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