It is estimated that somewhere between 3% and 12% of children of a preschool age snore even though the majority of these children are probably without any other symptoms and otherwise appear quite fit and healthy. This type of snoring experienced by children is called primary snoring.
However, it is estimated that approximately 2% of preschool age children have obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS), which is a condition that is being recognised more and more as quite a serious problem. In fact OSAS has been found to be a contributing factor to behavioural problems experienced by children, especially those found at school.
So how do you know if your child is a normal or primary snorer or is suffering from obstructive sleep apnoea?
Those children who snore but are otherwise well and do not exhibit daytime sleepiness with normal sleep patterns will be primary snorers. Those children with OSAS will have a disrupted sleep pattern along with short pauses, snorts and gasps during the night. These children are also often found to have behavioural problems with a poor and short attention span associated with other problems at school.
Other symptoms may also be present such as:
• High blood pressure
• Poor weight gain
• Overweight
• Large adenoids and/or tonsils with frequent mouth breathing accompanied by a hyponasal speech
If you suspect your child has OSAS, tests can be performed on them which include an overnight sleep study (known as a nocturnal polysomnography) at a hospital. However you may unfortunately experience difficulties finding a hospital that performs these sleep studies as they tend to be carried out in hospitals in the larger cities.
Other tests may be performed such as video and audio recordings which will require an interpretation by a sleep specialist. Overnight pulse and oximetry (measurement of oxygen) will also be required whilst the child is asleep. These can also be performed during a child’s daytime nap. Although these tests can assist if a child has OSAS, they can still present normal even if the child has OSAS.
If it is determined a child has obstructive sleep apnoea, treatment options can include the removal of enlarged adenoids and tonsils. A child may have their allergies treated or help can be given to them lose weight if required. Those children who are unable to have surgery may benefit CPAP therapy via a nasal mask.
If your child is diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea, they are likely to be treated by an ENT specialist, a Pulmonologist or a neurologist. It is important to make enquires about their experience with dealing with these types of problems as they may not give them the importance they require.
Ensure you have your child seen by this type of specialist if your child has tested negative but you still suspect that they have OSAS. Sometimes tests etc can have inconclusive results.
Remember be suspicious about the possibility of OSAS if your child regularly snores and has apnoea, sleepiness in the daytime along with the possibility of behavioural problems.
