Commonly seen in children 2 to 6 years old, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) results when the upper airway is blocked by an enlargement of the tonsils. Prolonged pauses in breathing occur in the child, which means oxygen flow is reduced and brain and cardiovascular function can be impaired. Emerging research is also linking childhood OSA with metabolic syndrome later in life, a disease that includes obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes.
These cardiovascular and metabolic effects of OSA may not be seen for years. However, there are also signs that you can look for. Children suffering from OSA may seem hyperactive, have a poor attention span, or be excessively tired in the daytime. One of the telltale symptoms, which many of us think is “normal,” is snoring. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that any child who snores see a sleep specialist.
Previously, snoring was considered to be
simply an annoyance to your partner or your family; now we
know that can be much more serious than that.
