Adults are becoming increasingly aware of the dangers of this potentially destructive condition that can cause a variety of other serious disorders and diseases such as high blood pressure, cardio vascular diseases, Type 2 Diabetes as a result of obesity and poor memory retention. However, children might also be at risk of sleep apnea. 

Sleep apnea, or OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) is a sleeping disorder suffered by 18 million Americans, most of whom are unaware they have a problem as 90 – 95% of sufferers remain undiagnosed.  The symptoms night only manifest in excessive snoring but also those who have sleep apnea will experience extreme fatigue during daylight hours as a result of a poor sleeping routine.

The condition develops as a result of poor airflow and reduced oxygen levels.  The sufferer experiences several hundred short pauses in their breathing pattern throughout the night, rendering them exhausted during daylight hours.  For adults, this causes traffic accidents as many OSA sufferers fall asleep while driving.  For children, sleep apnea causes poor concentration and unsatisfactory behaviour. 

Children and sleep apnea have not been connected in the past but it is becoming increasingly apparent that sleep apnea might affect between 1 and 10% of children.  Pediatric sleep apnea usually presents through having enlarged adenoids and tonsils.  The symptoms for children are remarkably similar to those for adults, with increased snoring; headaches; high blood pressure and possibly heart and lung problems.

During a sleep apnea experience, the airway narrows or closes completely.  Oxygen levels drop dramatically and breathing stops for between 10 and 120 seconds, on sometimes hundreds of occasions throughout the night.

Diagnosing sleep apnea in child sleeping routines can be different to adults.  Although it is not uncommon for children to snore, the type of snoring produced within sleep apnea is louder and with extended pauses; not in the least like the usual gentle snoring produced through healthy sleep. 

Children who are suffering with sleep apnea will typically be unable to gain weight or even lose weight.  They will possibly breathe only through the mouth during sleep and their sleeping routine will be restless.  They may display flushed cheeks from time to time throughout the night and their daytime behavioral patterns will be fractious with a poor performance at school: they will probably be unable to achieve a satisfactory homework routine.

African American children are more likely to develop OSA than Caucasians. Although boys are just as likely as girls to have childhood OSA, by adulthood double the number of men have the condition than women. Children with Down’s Syndrome are more likely to develop OSA and should be closely monitored. 

Children might benefit from having their adenoids and tonsils removed but could also need further attention to address problems of obesity or allergies.  The Aviisha Medical Wellness Institute might also recommend CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy.

The Aviisha Medical Wellness Institute in Los Angeles is recognised as a pioneer in sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment. Patients are tested for sleep apnea either in the comfort of their own home or in the Aviisha Los Angeles sleep labs. Aviisha provides the most advanced and thorough treatment for sleep apnea and provides patients with discounted rates for auto CPAPs and other sleep aids.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/sleep-articles/does-your-child-have-sleep-apnea-1392106.html