PEDIATRIC
Yes, Children Can Have Sleep Apnea Too Understand the rates, risks and treatments for your little one.
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By Gina Dewink
ll around the world, parents worry about their children’s health. And while there is plenty of talk around how much sleep children should get, there is not always talk about what quality of sleep children should get. Aroonwan Preutthipan, MD, FCCP of Thailand has been working in the field of pediatric sleep medicine since 1992. She offers advice and insight into pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
When parents tell me their child has been naughty or hyper or attention-seeking, I know those are symptoms of lack of quality sleep.
SYMPTOMS & RISKS Risk factors for children and OSA differ from adults. In children, some of the risks include enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids, allergies or sinusitis and—the same as in adults—obesity. “Internationally,” Dr. Preutthipan begins, “the prevalence of OSA in children is reported at 2-5%. Primary snoring with no obstruction, is reported at 10-15%. This is much lower than the prevalence for adults, but parents should be aware of the symptoms.” The youngest child Dr. Preutthipan has ever diagnosed with OSA was less than one year old. She defines pediatric as younger than 18-years-old. RISK FACTORS FOR OSA IN CHILDREN • Enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids • Allergies or sinusitis • Congenital abnormalities • Obesity • Craniofacial narrow airways • Hypothyroidism
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