Sleep Apnea in Toddlers
Sleep apnea in toddlers is defined as a disorder in which the toddler's breathing is repeatedly interrupted as they sleep. There are three different types of sleep apnea that toddlers can experience including obstructive sleep apnea (a blockage causes the apnea), mixed apnea (both obstructive and central sleep apnea occur) and central sleep apnea (no blockage, but the brain does not tell the muscles to breathe). Sleep apnea in toddlers can be difficult to diagnose, but it is a potentially serious problem that needs immediate treatment for the best long-term results.
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Causes
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Sleep apnea in toddlers can be caused by a number of things. In toddlers with obstructive sleep apnea, enlarged adenoids or tonsils can cause a blockage leading to sleep apnea. Toddlers who are overweight, down syndrome, cleft palate or a receding chin are at a higher risk. Central sleep apnea is caused by the brain not telling the muscles to breathe. Mixed sleep apnea can be caused by a blockage, the brain not alerting the muscles or both.
Symptoms
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In order for your toddler's sleep apnea to be diagnosed, you must first recognize that there is a problem. First, watch your toddler sleep and check to see if he has trouble breathing or tend to snore. Be sure to look for a pause in breathing that lasts at least 10 seconds. Other signs that may indicate sleep apnea include profuse sweating during sleep, choking or coughing during the night, breathing through the mouth (night and day) and a restless sleeper. Toddlers with sleep apnea also may awaken several times throughout the night.
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Dangers
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Toddlers with sleep apnea face certain dangers. Sleep apnea can lead to delayed growth, and it can cause high blood pressure and other lung and heart problems. Toddlers with sleep apnea may also experience behavioral and learning problems.
Diagnosis
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To diagnose a toddler with sleep apnea a complete physical exam and examination of the toddlers airways will be done. The doctor also will perform tests to rule out other conditions such as allergies and certain other problems that can cause similar symptoms in toddlers. The most common and accurate test to diagnose sleep apnea in toddlers is a polysomnogram. This test monitors the toddler's blood oxygen levels, brain waves, breathing and eye movement as they sleep. It also helps to check for gasping sounds and snoring as they sleep. For this test, the toddler will need to spend the night in a special sleep lab so that they can be monitored throughout a complete sleep cycle.
Treatment
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In approximately 90 percent of toddlers with sleep apnea, removing the adenoids, tonsils or both cures sleep apnea. Some may need to use a special machine when they sleep to keep their airways open. This machine, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), may not help toddlers with central sleep apnea.
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