Annie
01-02-2007, 02:19 PM
A parent's love of his or her child is, hopefully,
unconditional, so parents of children who snore will often view
their child's habit as an adorable trait. Childhood snoring can
signify a medical concern, so there may be nothing "cute" about
it.
It is estimated that 3% to 12% of preschool children snore.
Most of these children will otherwise appear quite fit and
healthy. This type of snoring experienced by children is called
primary snoring.
Another 2% of young children will suffer from obstructive sleep
apnea syndrome (OSAS), which is being recognized as a serious
medical problem. In fact, OSAS can be a contributing factor to
a child's behavioral problems and difficulties in school.
It is important to recognize whether your child is a primary
snorer, or is suffering from an underlying condition such as
obstructive sleep apnea.
Children who snore but are otherwise well and do not exhibit
daytime sleepiness with normal sleep patterns will be primary
snorers. On the other hand, children with OSAS will have a
disrupted sleep pattern along with short pauses, snorts and
gasps during the night. These children are also often found to
have poor and short attention span, and may have difficulty
with learning or behavior.
Symptoms that may be associated with OSAS are high blood
pressure, poor weight gain, obesity and large adenoids and/or
tonsils. Enlarged tonsils or adenoids can cause frequent mouth
breathing accompanied by a hypo nasal speech.
There are tests to confirm if a child has OSAS. An overnight
sleep study called a nocturnal polysomnography is performed in
a hospital. These studies are generally performed at
hospitals in major cities, so you may need to travel if this is
the option you choose.
Another option is to take an audio or video recording, which
will require to be interpreted by a sleep specialist. Pulse and
oxygen measurements will also be taken overnight while the child
sleeps. These tests can also be performed during a child's
daytime nap. If a child has OSAS these tests can assist in the
diagnosis, however the child may still present normally evening
if he or she suffers from OSAS.
If it is determined that your child suffers from obstructive
sleep apnea, treatment options can include the removal of
enlarged adenoids and tonsils. If your child has allergies or
is overweight, treating these conditions may also offer relief.
If surgery is not an option, your child may benefit from CPAP
therapy via a nasal mask.
An ENT specialist, a Pulmonologist or a neurologist should
treat children with OSAS. Ask your specialist about their
experience in treating these types of problems, to ensure that
they realize the significance of the condition and are able to
provide the care required.
Remember, tests can sometimes provide inconclusive results, so
consider seeing a specialist if you still suspect that your
child suffers from OSAS.
It is most likely that your child is a primary snorer, but if
he or she falls within the 2% of children with OSAS, treatment
is essential and available.
About The Author: Jennifer Taylor writes for several web sites, including http://jicaw.com and http://pynot.com
unconditional, so parents of children who snore will often view
their child's habit as an adorable trait. Childhood snoring can
signify a medical concern, so there may be nothing "cute" about
it.
It is estimated that 3% to 12% of preschool children snore.
Most of these children will otherwise appear quite fit and
healthy. This type of snoring experienced by children is called
primary snoring.
Another 2% of young children will suffer from obstructive sleep
apnea syndrome (OSAS), which is being recognized as a serious
medical problem. In fact, OSAS can be a contributing factor to
a child's behavioral problems and difficulties in school.
It is important to recognize whether your child is a primary
snorer, or is suffering from an underlying condition such as
obstructive sleep apnea.
Children who snore but are otherwise well and do not exhibit
daytime sleepiness with normal sleep patterns will be primary
snorers. On the other hand, children with OSAS will have a
disrupted sleep pattern along with short pauses, snorts and
gasps during the night. These children are also often found to
have poor and short attention span, and may have difficulty
with learning or behavior.
Symptoms that may be associated with OSAS are high blood
pressure, poor weight gain, obesity and large adenoids and/or
tonsils. Enlarged tonsils or adenoids can cause frequent mouth
breathing accompanied by a hypo nasal speech.
There are tests to confirm if a child has OSAS. An overnight
sleep study called a nocturnal polysomnography is performed in
a hospital. These studies are generally performed at
hospitals in major cities, so you may need to travel if this is
the option you choose.
Another option is to take an audio or video recording, which
will require to be interpreted by a sleep specialist. Pulse and
oxygen measurements will also be taken overnight while the child
sleeps. These tests can also be performed during a child's
daytime nap. If a child has OSAS these tests can assist in the
diagnosis, however the child may still present normally evening
if he or she suffers from OSAS.
If it is determined that your child suffers from obstructive
sleep apnea, treatment options can include the removal of
enlarged adenoids and tonsils. If your child has allergies or
is overweight, treating these conditions may also offer relief.
If surgery is not an option, your child may benefit from CPAP
therapy via a nasal mask.
An ENT specialist, a Pulmonologist or a neurologist should
treat children with OSAS. Ask your specialist about their
experience in treating these types of problems, to ensure that
they realize the significance of the condition and are able to
provide the care required.
Remember, tests can sometimes provide inconclusive results, so
consider seeing a specialist if you still suspect that your
child suffers from OSAS.
It is most likely that your child is a primary snorer, but if
he or she falls within the 2% of children with OSAS, treatment
is essential and available.
About The Author: Jennifer Taylor writes for several web sites, including http://jicaw.com and http://pynot.com