Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that is characterized by loud snoring and pauses in breathing during sleep. It can affect both adults and children.
This condition warrants medical treatment, as it disrupts sleep and therefore can negatively impact productivity and alertness during the daytime. Children need to be able to focus in order to learn while they’re growing up, so an evaluation by a pediatric sleep apnea doctor is highly recommended.
Whereas adults who are obese are more likely to have sleep apnea, the main factor in children tends to be enlarged tonsils and adenoids – although it can also be due to obesity or underlying health conditions.
Let’s talk about how a pediatric sleep apnea doctor can help your child if your child is exhibiting symptoms of this condition, and where you can go for this specialized medical treatment.
Symptoms of Pediatric Sleep Apnea
Children with sleep apnea do not wake up as often as do adults with this condition, but the symptoms of childhood sleep apnea can include:
- Loud snoring
- Noisy breathing
- Pauses in breathing
- Mouth breathing
- Choking or coughing
- Restlessness
During the day, a child with sleep apnea may display:
- Irritability and outbursts
- Hyperactivity
- Bedwetting
- Frequent bad dreams
- Dry mouth
- Behavioral problems in school and social settings
During sleep, your child won’t go through the normal sleep stages. Since children are still growing and developing, frequent poor-quality sleep can lead to cardiovascular problems, chronic inflammation, metabolic conditions, impaired growth, learning disabilities, emotional problems, and behavioral and social problems.
Children with sleep apnea have a higher mortality rate than do other children, which is truly the best reason why you should have your child see a pediatric sleep apnea doctor. Our brain requires sleep in order for us to survive.
Why See a Pediatric Sleep Apnea Doctor
The physician will perform a few tests in order to deduce a proper diagnosis for your child. The doctor may check your child’s heart rate, breathing, oxygen intake, and movements. A pediatric sleep test may be performed at home.
If it is determined that your child’s sleep issues are caused by enlarged adenoids or tonsils, then treatment usually involves medication or surgery. The pediatric sleep apnea doctor will recommend the least-invasive treatment possible that would be effective in successfully addressing the issue.
Pediatric Sleep Apnea Doctor in Georgetown, TX
If your child is having problems during sleep, bring the child to see Dr. Scott Franklin at Georgetown ENT for an efficient evaluation. He is board-certified in sleep medicine, and he will make you and your child feel comfortable and respected during your visit.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Franklin, contact our friendly staff at Georgetown ENT today by calling us at (512) 869-0604 or by filling out our convenient online request form now. We look forward to helping your child get a good night’s sleep every night!
