Obstructive sleep apnea can occur in children.  During sleep apnea, the breathing stops or becomes very shallow while the child is sleeping.  These pauses can last 10-20 seconds or more and can occur repeatedly during the night. 
           
The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive.  During sleep, the air is unable to flow into the lungs, even as the child tries to breathe.  This episode of apnea can be terminated by a loud snort or choking sound.
           
The American Academy of Pediatrics, based on several studies in children, feels the incidence of obstructive sleep apnea is 3% in children ages
2-8 years. 
The common symptoms can be:

• Loud snoring
• Choking or gasping during sleep
• Bedwetting
• Morning headaches
• Hyperactivity
• Daytime sleepiness
• Mood swings or irritability
• School problems

In children, the common cause is enlargement of the tonsils and adenoids. 
Sleep apnea can also occur in overweight children.
           
To evaluate whether sleep apnea is present, the child should see a sleep specialist, who will obtain a sleep and medical history.  A physical exam will also be performed.  A sleep study or polysomnogram is a sleep recording which measures bodily function during sleep.  It is performed in a sleep center. The child will need to be accompanied by a parent, who will also need to sleep at the sleep center. 
           
If sleep apnea is seen and the child has enlarged tonsils and adenoids, an ear, nose and throat surgeon should be seen to evaluate for tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.  Some children may occasionally require CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) for treatment.  During CPAP, the child will wear a mask over their nose or prongs in their nose that blow air into the throat, which prevents the airway from closing in sleep.  Weight loss will also help treat obstructive sleep apnea. 

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