As you conduct some studies to learn more about sleep apnea, there are some questions that you may end up asking yourself. For example, does the condition affect both adults and children? Some people may assume the condition is diagnosed and treated similarly among children and adults. The signs and symptoms are different among younger people, making it hard to determine the sole cause of the problem at hand.
We’ll look into how to identify if a child suffers from sleep apnea. Some common signs and symptoms to be on the lookout for will be listed below.
Which Signs Are Common Among Children Suffering from Sleep Apnea?
Children suffering from sleep apnea won’t have similar signs to adults. Some symptoms to look out for among children include:
- Breathing through the mouth while sleeping
- Snoring
- Restless sleep
- Sleeping in an awkward position
- Daytime fatigue
- Wetting the bed
- Sleepwalking
- Behavioral issues
- Excessive sweating
- Teeth grinding
- Hyperactivity
- Growth issues
When treating a child suffering from sleep apnea, the dental professional needs to communicate with parents first to learn more about how the child functions during the day. The main focus is on the difficulty and ease of waking up early in the morning. Also, does the child fall asleep during the day? Do they have a hard time focusing? The answers to each of these questions help to determine whether the child is suffering from sleep apnea or not. In some instances, the doctor may diagnose the child with ADD/ADHD. If the treatment administered proves futile, it is because sleep apnea is the condition the child is suffering from.
How to Treat a Child Suffering from Sleep Apnea
Different treatment options can be used to treat an adult suffering from sleep apnea. Some of these treatment options can also be administered to children. There are some recommendations the tonsils should be removed in children. Oral appliance therapy is also highly recommended when treating a child suffering from sleep apnea. A pediatric dentist will determine the most suitable treatment method depending on the severity of the condition.
In some instances, orthodontics come in handy, considering they can help to increase and expand the mouth’s size, which means the child can breathe well. The alignment issues will also be addressed, considering they can negatively impact the child’s sleeping patterns and facial structure.