Sleep Apnea. Could Your Child Have It?

According to Dr. Vincent Iannelli, a pediatrician and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and About.com Guide, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common problem in children, and is increasing being recognized as a cause of daytime attentional and behavioral problems. 

Recognizing and diagnosing sleep apnea in children can be difficult. In an article written by Dr. Iannelli, he notes, “Although snoring is a common symptom in children with obstructive sleep apnea, it is important to remember that between 10-20 percent of normal children snore (primary snoring) on a regular or intermittent basis.

In addition to continuous loud snoring, other symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea in children include:

• failure to thrive (weight loss or poor weight gain)
• mouth breathing
• enlarged tonsils and adenoids
• problems sleeping and restless sleep
• excessive daytime sleepiness
• daytime cognitive and behavior problems, including problems paying attention, aggressive behavior and hyperactivity, which can lead to problems at school”

Dr. Iannelli offers an online OSA screening quiz to help you determine if it may time to visit a doctor about your child’s symptoms. Another good resource is the American Sleep Apnea Association, which has a page about Having Your Child Evaluated for OSA.