“Pediatric Sleep-related breathing disorders” is a common term referred to breathing difficulties occurs in children during sleep. This condition may range from noisy snoring to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). OSA is a condition involved with repeated episodes of complete/partial airway blockage during sleep. When a child experiences disrupted breathing during sleep, the body recognizes the problem as “Choking”. In this stage, the heart rate declines, blood pressure rises, the brain wakes up and finally the sleep is disrupted due to the reduced oxygen supply.
Symptoms of sleep breathing disorder in children
Children with sleep disorder are often diagnosed with the following symptoms
- Difficulty in concentration
- Snoring
- Trouble in learning
- Morning headaches
- Sleeping in odd postures
- Irritable, aggressive behavior
- Bedwetting
- Restless sleep
- Drooling
- Mouth breathing
- Difficulty to wake up
- Speaks out with nasal-sound voice
- Poor performance in academics
- Hyperactivity
Untreated Sleep breathing disorder leads to the following potential consequences
Enuresis: Sleep-disordered breathing can increase urine production at night times that ultimately leads to bedwetting.
Obesity: SDB may turn the body to increased insulin resistance or daytime fatigue that decreases physical activity. Such factors contribute to obesity in children.
Cardiovascular: Sleep-disordered breathing can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart and lung issues.
Growth: Enough hormone growth cannot be seen in children with SDB that results to slow growth and development.
What are the treatments available for Sleep-disordered breathing?
Weight loss is one of the best options for SRBD. Weight loss reduces severity and frequency of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is another treatment option for SRBD. It delivers a steady air flow through a mask worn over the face or nose. When the air gently blows into the back side of the throat, it makes the airway open, so that the child is able to breathe without any disturbance.
Wearing oral appliance during sleep benefits some children. An oral appliance is like a sports mouth guard which moves the jaw forward to open the airway to give a peaceful sleep.
However, a sleep specialist can decide the right treatment option for children. Dr. Krishnan A Subramanian, the Director of the Healthy Sleep offers effective sleep disorder treatment in kerala. He won many awards and accolades for his excellent service. He is known as the best pediatric sleep disorder doctor in kerala. Meet our doctor for your sleep issues and get treated for a sound sleep.
Mail Us @ krishnanhealthysleep@gmail.com
Visit Us @ thehealthysleep.in
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