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Treatment of Child Sleep Disorder

Children diagnosed with sleep apnea can visit a certified otolaryngologist for treatment in Chicago at the Advanced Center for Specialty Care. The most common cures for snoring and sleep apnea in pediatric patients are removal of the tonsils and adenoids or the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Other treatments may include weight loss, use of an oral device, surgery to remove airway obstruction, or craniofacial surgery. These options for sleep apnea and chronic snoring treatment will be discussed with the Pediatric sleep specialist in Chicago to determine the best treatment plan for the child. 

Both the tonsils and the adenoid tissue can become enlarged. Due to their location within the airway, this enlargement can narrow the airway, leading to the obstruction that causes apneic events and snoring. The tonsils are located at the back of the mouth on either side of the throat. The tonsils are lymphoid tissue. Although the exact function of the tonsils is not known, they likely have some role in the immune system. Removal of the tonsils does not cause any long term health consequences. The adenoids are another region of lymphoid tissue located in the upper part of the throat behind the nose. This tissue can also be safely removed by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat surgeon). In addition to pain in the post operative period, the largest risk associated with this procedure is bleeding.

The most common chronic snoring treatment in adults is continuous positive airway pressure, this system can also be used safely and effectively in children. CPAP is the delivery of pressurized air through a mask worn on the face in order to splint open the airways and prevent tissue collapse and obstruction during sleep. The device consists of a machine kept on the bedside table and a mask that covers the nose and/or mouth, connected by a flexible tube. Although many people are weary to try CPAP due to the necessity of wearing a mask on the face, it is one of the most effective treatments available for sleep apnea and does its use does not incur the risks related to surgery.

Obesity greatly increases the risk of sleep apnea, especially when there is excess fat around the neck. Weight loss through a monitored program designed by a person with training in pediatric nutrition may decrease or possibly eliminate symptoms.

A mouthpiece may be prescribed for use by the child at night. These oral devices push the tongue and lower jaw forward to open up the airway. When the above sleep apnea and chronic snoring treatments do not work or when deemed necessary by a physician, additional surgical options may be used as part of the treatment plan. Obstruction in the nose by a deviated septum, polyps or other inflammation may be corrected by nasal surgery. Rarely, the lower jaw (mandible) will need to be moved forward surgically to permanently open the airway.
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