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Sleep apnea is a little different in children. If your child snores, wets the bed, has concentration problems, poor memory, or growth issues, sleep apnea may be a concern. In many cases, children who snore and have obstructive sleep apnea, (OSA), suffer from oversized adenoids and tonsils. These structures block airflow and cause breathing to stop during sleep. You may notice that your child is restlessness during sleep or lays in odd sleeping positions.
Diagnosis
Home sleep studies do not seem to be the best diagnostic tool for children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea, (OSA). Instead, The American Sleep Apnea Association recommends polysomnography, (PSG), to measure blood oxygen levels, brain waves, breathing rate, electrical muscle stimulation, eye movement, heart rate, and body position. A polysomnograph is performed in sleep lab, and Dr. Mason will be happy to refer a respected lab for you and your child. If your child has OSA, their treatment is different than an adult.
Symptoms
- Snoring
- Bedwetting (enuresis)
- Restless sleep
- ADD/ADHD
- Slow or inhibited growth
- Moodiness
- Inability to concentrate
- Disruptive behavior
Tonsils
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Normal Throat/Tonsils
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15 yr old suffering from enuresis, asthma, and Enlarged Tonsils causing OSA (obstuctive sleep apnea)
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Mild-Moderate OSA
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Scalloped Tongue which is "classic" for OSA
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Trumpet player that can move his tonsils in and out based on the control of his throat and airway (from knowing how to control the air when playing the trumpet!!)
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Treatment
If you believe your child may have sleep apnea, discuss your concern with Dr. Mason. She can refer you and your child to a respected sleep apnea doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment, most likely an ears, nose and throat specialist (ENT).
For More Information
Schedule Your Visit Today!
Dr. Erika Mason and our team will exceed your expectation of excellence! Call today to schedule a personal consultation, and we’ll take time to listen to your concerns, evaluate your smile and oral health, then work with you to develop a custom treatment plan that addresses all of your unique needs. Located in Midlothian, VA, our practice serves patients from all of the surrounding communities.
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