Treatment of Snoring and Sleep Apnea in Children

Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Snoring

The initial stage of treating the disease involves the use of non-drug approaches. Overweight children are advised to change their diet and increase physical activity to help return their weight to normal. Finding an optimal sleeping position, which can reduce the intensity of snoring or eliminate it completely, is considered an effective method.

If OSA is accompanied by sleep problems and cognitive impairment, the involvement of a psychologist is required. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is a particularly important method. This type of artificial ventilation prevents airway obstruction and is successfully used regardless of the severity of apnea. It significantly reduces the frequency of attacks and restores normal nighttime rest, improving the child's well-being.

Specific medications for obstructive sleep apnea have not yet been well studied. The primary role of medication is to eliminate the underlying causes of the condition: antibiotics are used for acute inflammation of the tonsils and adenoids, topical corticosteroids are prescribed for chronic nasal congestion, and antihistamines are recommended for allergic rhinitis.

Surgery is indicated for young patients with enlarged tonsils or adenoids, which complicate normal breathing and cause sleep disturbances. Modern techniques allow for surgery with minimal damage to surrounding tissue, and proper anesthesia reduces stress and adverse effects of the procedure to virtually zero. Surgery is also recommended for deviated nasal septums and the development of nasal polyps.

Complications

Obstructive sleep apnea in children causes serious physiological changes affecting various organs and systems. These disorders can lead to severe complications if the disease progresses over a long period. The most noticeable signs are prolonged oxygen deprivation, manifested by sudden mood swings, increased excitability, and an inability to concentrate and learn. Severe apnea often leads to a slowdown in the child's psychoemotional development.

Another dangerous consequence of apnea in children is the development of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. This is associated with a change in the circadian rhythm of important hormone production and increased cellular resistance to insulin. Simultaneously, the production of somatotropin, a growth hormone whose peak occurs during deep sleep, is disrupted. A deficiency of this hormone is reflected in stunted growth, muscle weakness and deficiency, and excess weight gain.

A lack of oxygen causes the child's body to actively produce substances similar to adrenaline, leading to overstimulation of the nerve centers that regulate the heart and blood vessels. This effect remains unnoticed for a long time, but subsequently serves as the basis for early vascular diseases, high blood pressure, arrhythmias, and heart attacks.

Prevention

Regular sleep in children is the foundation of a healthy nervous system and proper development. During deep sleep, the body recovers, important growth hormones are produced, and the immune system is strengthened. Sleep disturbances interfere with normal brain development and negatively impact a child's behavior.

If your child constantly wakes up tired, irritable, cranky, or complains of a headache in the morning, this is cause for concern. You should carefully observe them before they fall asleep and notice any warning signs early.

How to prevent sleep problems, snoring, and apnea:

• Establish a clear daily routine – put your child to bed every night at approximately the same time.
• Create a comfortable resting environment – ​​ventilate the room, maintain an optimal temperature of around 18-20 degrees Celsius.
• Avoid watching TV and using gadgets at least two hours before bedtime.
• Limit sweets in the evening.

It is also important to regularly visit your pediatrician and inform them of any changes in your child's behavior and sleep patterns. The doctor will be able to assess the condition of the throat, nose, and mouth of the little patient and rule out upper respiratory tract infections. Sometimes, a simple procedure such as adenoid or tonsil removal is enough to permanently eliminate problems with sleep.

Don't forget about hardening and physical activity. Physical exercise strengthens the chest muscles and improves circulation, reducing the risk of snoring and respiratory arrest. It's important to gradually increase activity, starting with simple activities like swimming or walking outdoors.

It's worth gradually hardening your child: you can start with air baths at home, then move on to water activities, including contrast showers and swimming. To prevent sleep disturbances in your child, remember the importance of regularly monitoring your child's health, maintaining a daily routine, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle for the whole family. Be attentive to changes in your child's well-being and respond promptly to any suspicious symptoms.