Does Your Child Have Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, can affect people of any gender and all ages. This means children can suffer from this condition, too. In fact, research shows that between one and five percent of children suffer from sleep apnea.
Explore our guide to learn more about sleep apnea in children and how to ensure your child gets the right diagnosis.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea in Children
Sleep apnea is often misdiagnosed in children because it shares symptoms with other disorders, such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Also, take into consideration that the symptoms of OSA can appear differently in children than they do in adults.
Signs and symptoms of pediatric sleep apnea to look out for include:
- Loud, frequent snoring
- Gasping or choking sounds while sleeping
- Bedwetting
- Difficulty waking in the morning
- Daytime fatigue
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating at school
- Slow growth
If your child has experienced any of these symptoms, Dr. Argyle recommends that you see your local physician for a sleep test. They’ll evaluate your child’s symptoms and sleep patterns, which will determine the best course of treatment for their condition.
The Link Between Sleep Apnea & ADHD
It’s possible for children to become hyperactive when they don’t have a consistent, healthy sleep pattern. This may result in fatigue, irritability, and trouble concentrating⎼which are primary symptoms of both sleep apnea and ADHD.
Unfortunately, this can lead to an incorrect diagnosis and unwarranted medication for your child. Studies show that as many as 25 percent of ADHD diagnoses can be associated with sleep-disordered breathing, such as sleep apnea.
If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, or you suspect they may have a sleep disorder, we suggest having them tested for sleep apnea. Getting an accurate diagnosis can save your child a lifetime of unnecessary treatments and prescriptions.
Treating Sleep Apnea in Children
If your child is diagnosed with sleep apnea, Dr. Argyle will work with your physician to determine a solution that works for your child. Our practice has adopted an effective approach to uniquely customize every treatment plan. This allows us to determine what would best benefit our patients with OSA or other sleep-disordered breathing conditions.
Our exceptional team can determine which oral appliance is most effective for each individual patient and their needs. Dr. Argyle is able to custom-fit oral appliances for each patient, ensuring a proper fit and maximum comfort.
Dr. Argyle also offers pediatric airway treatment to help with proper development in children, along with myofunctional therapy to help restore the natural function of your facial muscles.
Visit Argyle Dental Sleep and TMJ
If you suspect your child has sleep apnea, Dr. Argyle will ensure they get a proper diagnosis and the best course of treatment for their condition. With oral appliance therapy, your child can receive a treatment that won’t keep them up from added noise and fits comfortably.
To learn more about all of our treatment options, contact our practice in Syracuse, UT at (801) 416-3562 and schedule a consultation with Dr. Argyle today.