An estimated one to six percent of American children may have sleep apnea, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. This can happen multiple times throughout the night and can lead to decreased oxygen levels in the blood. Children with sleep apnea often snore loudly and wake up frequently gasping for air.
Sleep is critical for children’s growth and development. It helps them to physically grow, learn and remember new information, and regulate their mood. When children don’t get enough sleep, they are more likely to have problems with paying attention, controlling their emotions, and making decisions.
Studies show that chronic sleep deprivation increases a child’s risk of developing the disease. If left untreated, sleep apnea can cause problems with growth and development, high blood pressure, heart disease, and other health problems.
The best thing you can do for your child is to make an appointment with a pediatric sleep apnea doctor or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeon. To make the most out of your visit to the doctor’s clinic, here are some helpful questions you can ask them.
Questions to Ask Your Pediatric Sleep Apnea Doctor
- How are you qualified to provide treatment for sleep apnea in children?
- What type of testing do you use to diagnose sleep apnea? Will the test be uncomfortable for my child?
- What are the risks of untreated sleep apnea in children? What could I expect to happen if my child’s sleep apnea is not treated?
- Is it possible for my child to outgrow sleep apnea?
- What are the treatment options available for pediatric sleep apnea?
- Why do you recommend this specific treatment for my child? How effective is it in treating pediatric sleep apnea?
- Are there any risks and long-term side effects associated with the recommended treatment?
- What can I do to help my child cope with their condition and ensure it won’t negatively impact their health in the long term? What should I let my child’s teachers and caregivers know about their condition?
Asking your child’s doctor questions is very important. First, it helps you better understand your child’s condition and what to expect from the condition, and the recommended treatment. Second, it allows you to be an active participant in your child’s care, which can lead to better health outcomes. Finally, asking the doctor questions communicates to the doctor what is important to you and your child. That way, they can include you in the decision-making process.
Pediatric Sleep Apnea Doctor in Georgetown, TX
Your choice of doctor is critical to your child’s successful treatment. Dr. Scott William Franklin at Georgetown ENT is highly experienced in treating pediatric sleep apnea and is double board-certified in otolaryngology and sleep medicine, which makes him uniquely qualified to treat sleep disorders often caused by ear, nose, and throat issues.
Dr. Franklin loves children and puts them at ease, which is critical to your child having a positive experience in our clinic. He also welcomes the questions of parents and is highly communicative. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Franklin, call our ENT clinic today at (512) 869-0604 or use our convenient online appointment request form.
