Pediatric Sleep Apnea

Overview

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects girls and boys equally and usually begins in the first few years of life, though it may go undiagnosed until later. Mayo Clinic doctors have special expertise in treating pediatric OSA, and Mayo Clinc in Rochester, Minn., operates one of the largest state-of-the-art sleep diagnostic facilities in the United States, fully accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Diagnosis

Since diagnosis and management of pediatric OSA differ from that of adult OSA, it's important to obtain an accurate clinical and sleep laboratory assessment. A polysomnogram is necessary to record the nature, duration, and frequency of the breathing disturbances.

Additional tools such as X-rays, computerized tomogrpahy (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may also be used to better visualize anatomical structures that may be contributing to airway obstruction.

Specialists in pediatric ear, nose and throat medicine, pulmonary medicine, pediatric allergy, orthodontics, child psychology and psychiatry, and craniofacial disorders provide additional expertise when necessary. Read more about pediatric sleep apnea diagnosis.

Treatment Options

Treatments most commonly used to help children with OSA include adenotonsillectomy and positive pressure breathing. In rare instances, a child may also need to lose weight, use an oral appliance, or have craniofacial surgery. Read more about pediatric sleep apnea treatment options.

About Pediatric Sleep Apnea

Pediatric OSA typically differs from adult OSA in several ways. Young children often only have short apneas or episodes of partial upper airway obstruction that lead to frequent arousals from sleep. Habitual snoring, mouth breathing, restless sleep, bed-wetting, feeling unrefreshed upon awakening, daytime inattentiveness, mood swings, and hyperactivity are common symptoms of pediatric OSA. Read more about symptoms of pediatric sleep apnea.

Pediatric OSA is often due to enlarged adenoids or tonsils, though other conditions, such as muscle weakness, obesity and craniofacial abnormalities, can also put a child at risk. Read more about risk factors of pediatric sleep apnea.

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