Sleep-Disordered Breathing
Breathing plays a vital role in a child’s ability to achieve restful and restorative sleep. Sleep-disordered breathing, such as snoring or obstructive sleep apnea, can disrupt sleep patterns and negatively impact daily life, often leading to daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and changes in mood or behavior. These interruptions can also affect a child’s overall health, including their physical growth and cognitive development.
At Child Neurology & Consultants of Austin, we understand the challenges these conditions bring. Our team offers expert, compassionate care tailored to each child’s needs, helping to address issues like snoring and sleep apnea with sensitivity and dedication. Through thorough evaluations and personalized treatment plans, we strive to improve each child’s sleep and quality of life.
Snoring
Snoring in children is a harsh, rattling noise caused by partial blockage in the upper airway during sleep. While it may seem harmless, snoring can disrupt a child’s sleep quality, leading to restless nights. Poor sleep caused by snoring can impact a child’s daytime behavior, causing fatigue, trouble concentrating in school, mood swings, or hyperactivity.
Addressing the underlying causes of snoring is key to restoring restful sleep and supporting a child’s overall well-being.
Snoring in children can result from a variety of factors that obstruct airflow during sleep. Enlarged tonsils or adenoids often partially block the airway. Nasal congestion from colds, allergies, or sinus infections can also restrict airflow and lead to situational bouts of snoring. Allergies may further contribute by causing swelling or irritation in the nasal passages. Additionally, childhood obesity can affect the airway due to excess soft tissue around the neck.
Treatment options for snoring in children vary depending on the underlying cause but are aimed at improving airflow and enhancing sleep quality. Our expert physicians always recommend starting with lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise, to reduce snoring caused by obesity. For children with nasal congestion, allergy management or decongestants may help open the airways. If enlarged tonsils or adenoids are the cause, surgical removal (tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy) may be recommended to relieve obstruction.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition where a child’s breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep due to a blockage in the upper airway. OSA can significantly disrupt a child’s sleep, leading to restless nights and poor-quality rest. This lack of proper sleep may result in daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and even developmental delays.
If left untreated, OSA can also pose risks to a child’s long-term health, including problems with growth and cardiovascular health. Identifying and addressing OSA is essential to ensure restful sleep and support a child’s overall well-being.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children is often caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids, which can block the airway during sleep. Obesity can also contribute, as excess soft tissue around the throat may narrow the airway. Additionally, anatomical abnormalities, such as a small jaw or a high-arched palate, may create breathing challenges that lead to OSA. It is always recommended that your child sees a sleep medicine specialist, like the ones at our clinic, to ensure a proper diagnosis and tailored course of treatment.
Treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children aim to address the root cause and improve sleep quality. For some, lifestyle changes like weight management through balanced nutrition and physical activity may help reduce symptoms. Medical interventions, such as using a CPAP machine, can assist in keeping airways open during sleep. When enlarged tonsils or adenoids are the cause, surgical removal (tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy) is often recommended.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Do not let poor sleep get in the way of your child’s flourishing. Instead, come in to see our dedicated physicians, who always put your child’s health first. Call Child Neurology & Consultants of Austin at (512) 494-4000 or request an appointment now. We look forward to serving you at one of our three convenient locations in Central Austin, Cedar Park, or South Austin.
