OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA

Sleep Apnea is a potentially serious disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts while sleeping.

The most common form of this disorder is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which is caused by obstructions in the airway resulting in snoring or interrupted breathing. The condition poses serious health risks, especially among children, as oxygen deprivation is very harmful for the brain. If you or someone you know shows signs of OSA, a consultation with an ENT specialist is highly recommended.

OSA AMONG CHILDREN AND ITS SYMPTOMS

As parents, it’s important to be aware of your child's sleep and snoring patterns. We’ve listed below some of the most common signs of OSA. If you recognize any of these symptoms in your child, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they suffer from Sleep Apnea, but a specialist’s opinion would be worthwhile.

• Loud snoring
• Stop-start breathing
• Difficulty in breathing during sleep
• Choking, gasping or snorting
• Waking up during the night regularly
• Restless sleep resulting in fatigue, poor appetite, nightmares, mood swings and attention disorders
• Sleeping in unusual positions
• Difficulty in staying awake or paying attention at school
• Breathing through the mouth
• Teeth clenching/grinding
• Bedwetting

ORTHODONTICS AND OSA

Sleep Apnea is a medical condition that needs to be treated by a specialist. If you notice any of the listed symptoms in your child, a consultation with an ENT, a sleep specialist, or an allergist is recommended.

Orthodontists are often the first ones to identify some of these problems in your child. Due to their expertise on facial growth and development, they can check the development of the jaw, correct malocclusions (bad bite), and help eliminate poor habits, if any.

At Two Rivers Orthodontics, we can provide patients expert advice by collaborating with other specialists regarding treatment options, as well as any necessary medical referrals.