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Sleep apnea in children, what symptoms?
Around 4 or 5 years old, we hear the child snoring, we see him sleeping with his mouth open, sweating at night and waking up in the morning… all tired? Signs that put the chip in our ears as well as the pulmonologist consulted. Verdict: he suffers from obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). “This respiratory disorder affects between 2 to 5% of children, but many are those who are not diagnosed”, explains Dr. Madiha Ellaffi, pulmonologist and allergist.
The causes and consequences of sleep apnea in children
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) or sleep apnea is when the breathing stops for a few seconds when the child is sleeping. In the majority of cases, it is favored by an obstruction of the airways due to large tonsils or adenoids. Located at the back of the mouth, they play a role of natural defense. And in the event of an attack… they swell! “It happens if the child is allergic, exposed to different pollutants (dust mites, tobacco, molds, pesticides …)”, insists Dr. Ellaffi, if his throat is irritated because of reflux or if he has viral tonsillitis. repeat. Other factors can also hinder breathing: obesity, a big tongue, a small jaw … With the consequence of micro-awakenings during the night to resume breathing, snoring and breathing through the mouth to pass air. . The result is poor sleep that is not very restorative and we understand why these children are tired or have behavioral problems during the day!
What treatment for sleep apnea in children?
Multidisciplinary care is often used. Indeed, the sleep specialist (pediatrician, pulmonologist, ENT specialist) may need to confirm the diagnosis by ordering a recording of sleep and breathing in a specialized center. The goal of treatment then is to allow the child to breathe normally when he sleeps. For that, a whole team can intervene: the ENT to surgically remove the tonsils, the pulmonologist-allergist to eradicate the allergic rhinitis, the orthodontist to check the jaw, the speech therapist or the physiotherapist to re-educate the muscles of the tongue, the dietitian to regain a healthy weight … More rarely, the pulmonologist can prescribe a continuous positive pressure (CPAP) machine to keep the airways open during sleep. And in a few months, the child gets back in shape, sleeps well, has better grades, is no longer tired…!
To educate young and old about sleep apnea …
* A children’s book:
“A Groundhog’s Sleep” by Julie Eugène on the advice of Dr Madiha Ellaffi (Ed. Un Autre Reg’Art).
* An app created by Dr. Ellaffi:
“Groundhog sleep” available on iOS and Android