The Agony of a Little Girl Diagnosed with Sleep Apnea

There is a plethora of symptoms that may make parents suspect an infant is suffering from sleep apnea. The most characteristic symptoms of this sleep disturbance are snoring, strong breathing, night micturition, bruxism (clinking of teeth), behavioral disturbances, irritability, poor academic performance and difficulty concentrating and altered metabolism. This health problem occurs in 4% of the child population.

Kids with sleep apnea can develop learning and behavioral problems, and, later in life, heart problems as well. About 10 percent of children snore, and about a third of those have a form of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can make children hyperactive, and is sometimes misdiagnosed as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (commonly shortened as ADHD).

When it is left untreated, children’s sleep apnea can contribute to learning delays and lead to many potentially fatal blood pressure and cardiac issues.