Sleep Apnea Treatment For Children

As a parent, you want the best for your children, and restful sleep is crucial for their growth, development, and overall well-being. That’s why common sleep conditions like sleep apnea can be so damaging – and why it’s best to diagnose and treat them early.

Dr. Bangs has a passion for treating sleep apnea and the experience and credentials to do it well. The solution to your child’s chronic lack of energy and problems concentrating at school could be one consultation away.

What Is Pediatric Sleep Apnea?

The main type of sleep apnea is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (or OSA). Pediatric OSA is a condition characterized by repeated pauses in your child’s breathing while they are asleep caused by something obstructing their airway.

Some Causes Of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

1. Maxillary hypoplasia: this is when your child’s upper jaw hasn’t developed properly to leave enough space for their tongue, leading to it blocking their airway when they sleep.
2. Mandibular retrognathia: this is when your child’s lower jaw is set too far back, closing off their airway.
3. Your Tongue Position: your child’s tongue might be tied or might be resting in a position that blocks their airway.
4. Or all of the above

Signs Your Child Might Have Sleep Apnea

• Loud snoring (coupled with pauses or gasps)
• Restlessness and sleeping in unusual positions (e.g. with their head thrown back)
• Mouth breathing
• Bedwetting (especially when it’s constant or no longer age-appropriate)
• Daytime sleepiness or hyperactivity
• Concentration or memory difficulties
• Irritability and behavioral issues

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

If left untreated, sleep apnea can have serious long-term consequences for your child. They could face:

• Developmental delays, which could hold them back from progressing with their peers
• Behavioral problems (these usually show up as ADHD-like symptoms), which could get them into trouble at school
• Cardiovascular issues, which could give them life-long health problems
• Poor academic performance, which could jeopardize their future
• Growth problems or even developing asthma because their airway is too small

Together, though, we can solve this. Let’s set your child up for a lifetime of proper rest and make sure that nothing is holding them back from who they’re meant to be.

How We Test For Sleep Apnea In Your Child

When you visit us for the initial consultation, Dr. Bangs will walk you through:

• A preliminary health questionnaire
• A gentle exam of your child’s head and neck
• A CBCT scan and some intraoral photos & measurements
• An in-home sleep test (this is an overnight test to monitor their sleep)

What Treatment Looks Like

There are many treatment options for sleep apnea in children, and the one we choose will depend entirely on what is causing your child’s airway blockage while they’re sleeping. 

Dr. Bangs will also be able to work with your child’s pediatrician or a specialist if needed, to make sure all bases are covered and your child is getting the most comprehensive care available.

Mostly, treatment involves a combination of the following:

Oral Appliance Therapy

Oral appliances are essentially custom-fitted mouthguards that your child will wear at night while they sleep. They gently reposition your child’s jaw to keep their airway open so they can breathe easily and sleep peacefully all night long. 

The benefits:

• They’re less invasive than surgery
• They’re far more comfortable for your child to sleep with than a bulky CPAP machine mask
• They can easily be swapped out as your child grows
• They’re easy for your child to put in or remove on their own

Breathing Education

Dr. Bangs will guide your child on proper breathing habits, tongue position and posture, and more. 

What You Can Look Forward To With Dr. Bangs

• Expertise and Experience: Dr. Bangs’s passion for branching into sleep apnea treatment started with her own experience watching her son struggle with it and then seeing the difference it made when he overcame it with treatment
• Child-Friendly Approach: We’ve made sure that your child will be comfortable throughout their visit
• Customized Treatment Plans: Treatment is tailored to your child’s specific symptoms and needs, so they get the best care for them.
• Commitment to Comprehensive Care: We make sure to collaborate with other medical professionals, including your child’s pediatrician so that nothing falls through the cracks

Give Your Child The Lifelong Rest They Deserve

If you suspect your child may have sleep apnea, don’t wait for the symptoms to get worse.

Schedule a consultation with our friendly team here in Arlington today and fill in the form below to make sure your child gets the peaceful rest they need.