What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea in Children?

Sleep apnea is a condition that occurs when pauses between breaths last longer than 20 seconds and result in irregular breathing throughout the sleeping hours. According to the Boston Children's Hospital, approximately 2 to 5 percent of all children experience sleep apnea. If parents suspect their child has symtoms of sleep apnea, they should consult a pediatrician. Sleep apnea should be treated promptly to prevent future complications.

Types

• According to Kid's Health, obstructive sleep apnea is the primary type of sleep apnea. Enlarged adenoids and tonsils are most often the cause of obstructive sleep apnea. According to the Boston Children's Hospital, obstructive sleep apnea is more prevalent among children who have Downs syndrome or other disorders characterized by poor muscle tone. It also more common in children who are overweight.

  Central sleep apnea is another type of sleep apnea that is much less common. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to regulate breathing properly.

  Mixed sleep apnea is the final type of sleep apnea. Mixed sleep apnea is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea and has symptoms associated with both types.

Night-Time Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

• Snoring is the most noticeable symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. Also, parents might also notice pauses in breathing, and they may hear the child gasp for air during the night. In addition, the child might sleep restlessly and may sleep in odd positions throughout the night.

Day-Time Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

• Children with obstructive sleep apnea often are sleepy throughout the day. They may fall asleep at school or be irritable because of lack of sleep. They may also have trouble concentrating. According to Kid's Health, children may sometimes be misdiagnosed with attention-deficit disorder when they actually have obstructive sleep apnea.

Symptoms of Central Sleep Apnea

• Symptoms of central sleep apnea may include frequent night-time wakings because of shortness of breath. Parents may notice episodes when the child's breathing pauses for several seconds as well. Unlike obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea may also occur while the child is awake during the day. However, central sleep apnea is similar to obstructive sleep apnea in that it may also cause sleepiness during the day, trouble concentrating and sometimes even snoring.

Treatments

• According to the Boston Children's Hospital, obstructive sleep apnea may be alleviated by removing the tonsils and/or adenoids in about 85 percent of all cases. In other cases a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine may be used to keep breathing regular throughout the sleeping hours. A CPAP machine involves wearing a mask over the nose while sleeping. The mask delivers a continuous flow of air into the nose.

  Central sleep apnea is often treated with an oxygen mask, CPAP machine or medications that stimulate breathing.

Complications

• Sleep apnea can result in serious health complications. According to the Boston Children's Hospital, children with sleep apnea are more likely to experience problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, strokes, developmental delays and slowed growth.