Sleep Apnea in Preschoolers: Understanding It to Protect Your Child’s Health

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Sleep apnea in preschoolers is a dangerous condition with serious consequences for their health and development. This condition occurs when breathing is interrupted during sleep, often caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids, blocking the airway. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (2019), over 2% of children aged 3-6 years are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

“Sleep apnea not only affects sleep but also hampers physical and intellectual development due to oxygen deprivation,” stated Dr. Gary E. Freed, Director of the Pediatric Sleep Laboratory at Emory University, 2020.

Children with sleep apnea often exhibit symptoms such as loud snoring, interrupted breathing, and mouth breathing during sleep. According to a report from Mayo Clinic (2018), 85% of cases of obstructive sleep apnea can be resolved through tonsil and adenoid removal surgery.

In many cases, signs of sleep apnea are overlooked because parents mistake it for simple snoring. However, other symptoms like irritability, daytime crankiness, and reduced focus in learning could indicate oxygen deprivation during sleep. A report by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2021) emphasized that over 50% of children with OSA struggle to maintain intellectual development due to chronic oxygen deficiency.

“Insufficient deep sleep caused by sleep apnea in children can impair growth hormone secretion, affecting their height and weight,” according to the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (2020).

Additionally, children are at risk of cardiovascular issues such as hypertension and increased risk of heart failure in severe cases. Experts at Harvard Medical School (2019) advise parents to seek medical consultation promptly if they notice any abnormal sleep patterns in their child.

The diagnosis process for sleep apnea requires parents to monitor their child’s sleep habits, accompanied by advanced tests like polysomnography, a method that records brain waves, eye movements, and oxygen levels during sleep. Timely intervention not only improves the child’s sleep quality but also protects their health and enhances their quality of life in the future.