Support For Your Child’s Sleep
Sleep apnea is a medical condition which left untreated can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, diabetes, and depression in extreme cases death. Thankfully, awareness for the disorder is growing; people are recognizing the symptoms faster and contacting the proper professional support. Unfortunately, sometimes medical professionals misdiagnose children with OSA as having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) due to the overlapping symptoms between the two.
Children suffering from sleep apnea are most likely being affected by Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). OSA is a disorder that limits airflow due to an obstruction in the throat, causing your body to wake up continuously throughout the night. Restricted airflow means a decrease in oxygen supply which can lead to severe health issues like weakened heart function and shortness of breath.
If your child is suffering from OSA, the disorder can affect their development, mood, and behavior. Dr. Garceau and our colleagues have helped children in Granby, Hartford, and Simsbury get back to sleeping peacefully. Keep reading to learn more about the signs of childhood OSA and how our sleep dentist can help.
Childhood Sleep Apnea Symptoms
There are a few symptoms of OSA that both children and adults experience, including loud snoring, restless sleep, and daytime drowsiness. Patients young and old have also noticed fluctuations in breathing, from peaceful to loud gasping.
Beyond those, other common symptoms in children with OSA are as follows:
- Weight gain
- Academic & behavioral issues
- Bed wetting
- Mouth breathing during sleep
- Night sweats
- Sleepwalking
- Difficulty concentrating
What Evokes Childhood Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is generally brought on by an overdeveloped or underdeveloped area of the throat or mouth. If your child has enlarged tonsils, tongue, or any other part of their oral structure, it could put them at risk of developing OSA.
Furthermore, children who are obese or overweight are much more likely to develop OSA.The extra weight contributes to fatty deposits, which can weigh down the throat muscles and obstruct the airways.
Treating Your Child’s OSA
The reason we see dentists for sleep-related problems is the same reason why they’re often the first medical practitioners to spot the warning signs of OSA—they specialize in treating oral structures, including the airway, which is where OSA occurs.
Dr. Garceau is a qualified sleep dentist. She’ll get your child the proper diagnosis and determine the best treatment plan. If you have questions, concerns, or are looking for more information about sleep apnea, contact our office at (860) 254-6189. A member of our delightful staff will service your needs and can schedule your consultation with Dr. Garceau.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pediatric sleep apnea fatal?
Children with untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can suffer from growth stunts, worsened medical conditions, and more serious health problems over time. These may include high blood pressure, heart disease, and other potentially life threatening diseases .
Recognizing the symptoms of sleep apnea is the first step to helping your child get the quality sleep they deserve. After which, we can evaluate your child to determine the best course of treatment for their unique needs.
Can children outgrow sleep apnea?
Many children who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, may outgrow the condition. However, children with untreated sleep apnea are more susceptible to developing behavioral problems and health complications.
That’s why it’s crucial to seek treatment at the first sign of the sleep disorder. Contact our Hartford office at (860) 254-6189 to learn more about pediatric sleep apnea and schedule your child’s consultation.
Fight Childhood Sleep Apnea for Their Future
If you live in Granby, Hartford, Simsbury, or the surrounding regions and need solutions for your child’s sleep apnea look no farther than the office of Dr. Roberta Garceau.You can be confident that the care given to your child will be individualized, efficient, and supported by years of experience. We’ll help them get the quality sleep they need for a long, healthy life.
Call (860) 254-6189 to learn more about how sleep apnea affects children or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Garceau at our Windsor, CT location. Alternatively, you can contact us by using the simple form on the right, and we’ll respond as soon as we can.