When most people think about sleep apnea they consider it a disorder that applies only to adults. However, this disorder in babies is prevalent all across the globe. Central apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea in infants. Infants born before the mother's 37th week of pregnancy are most at risk of having central apnea. In adults and children over a year in age, OSA (obstructive sleep apnea ) is most common.
What are the causes? The most common cause of apnea in premature babies is a lack of a fully functional central nervous system. Other known causes include exposure to poisons and toxins as well as gastrointestinal issues. In older children it is commonly caused by a facial structure in the child that narrows the airway, enlarged tonsils, or anything else that cause excessive tissue in the upper part of the respiratory system.
What are the symptoms? The primary symptom for infant sleep apnea is that the child will stop breathing for 10 to 20 seconds at a time. This will cause the child to take on a blue appearance in the face and torso.
What are the dangers? When your infant stops breathing their oxygen level drops, their carbon dioxide level increases and their heart rate may drop severely which could result in death.
How is it diagnosed? Initial diagnosis is usually performed by a pediatrician but might sometimes be referred to a specialist. The most common test is called a polysomnogram which records oxygen levels, breathing rate, eye movement, and even records gasps for air.
How is sleep apnea treated? The treatment that is prescribed will depend on the severity of the apnea. It could be as simple as being watched on a heart monitor, medication, or in cases of OSA a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) device.
What if my child stops breathing while asleep? You should gently nudge your child and if the breathing does not resume call 911 right away. (If you are trained in infant CPR begin treatment right away and have someone else call for emergency services.) If you're alone perform the CPR for a couple of minutes, call 911, then resume resuscitation efforts.
Sleep ApneaTag :