Sleep Apnea in Kids: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatments in Dubai

Sleep apnea in children can be a cause for concern for many parents in Dubai and the UAE

Posted on

3 May 2021

Posted by

Clarice

Children Sleep Apnea in Dubai: Symptoms, Risks and Treatments

Breathing problems to look out for in your children

We take a look at sleep-related breathing disorders in kids, or sleep apnea in children, with Dr. Rania Abusamra Abdel Karim from Mediclinic Dubai.

What is a sleep related breathing disorder?

It is a disorder that can cause breathing to stop or become shallow while sleeping. This causes oxygen levels in the body to fall, triggering the brain to wake up and take a breath.

There are different types of sleep related breathing disorder, including:

1. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

Obstructive sleep apnea is when there is an obstruction of the airway in the nose, throat or upper airway. This causes temporary lapses in breathing. It may happen for a few seconds at a time and occur multiple times during a sleep cycle.

2. Central sleep apnea (CSA)
Central sleep apnea is when there is a problem with the brain system for controlling muscles involved in respiration leading to slower and shallower breathing. Sleep related breathing disorder can lead to complications, including behavioural, heart and lung problems if left untreated.

When should I suspect a sleep related breathing disorder?

Below are the signs and symptoms of a sleep disorder:

Snoring.
Pausing in breathing during sleep.
Breathing through the mouth.
Noisy breathing, coughing, and choking while asleep.
Frequent interrupted sleep or short-term wakefulness during sleep.
Persistent bed wetting.
Hyperactivity, mood swings, and/or inattentiveness during the day.

What are the causes of a sleep-related breathing disorder in children?

There are several different causes, including:

Obesity
Enlarged tonsils and adenoids
Genetic disorders such as children with trisomy 21
Neuromuscular disorder such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Endocrine disorder such as hypothyroidism

How to confirm the diagnosis of a sleep related breathing disorder?

If you suspect your child may have a sleep disorder, you should see a doctor immediately. Sleep disorders can lead to neurological and cardiovascular problems if left untreated.

The paediatric pulmonologist will take a detailed medical history and perform a physical exam to assess breathing and look for obstructions that might cause breathing difficulties. These might include things such as enlarged tonsils or narrow airways. If the doctor suspects sleep apnea, she/he may recommend a sleep study.

Sleep study is the test used to objectively confirm a sleep related breathing disorder. It is an overnight test that can record a variety of body functions while a child sleeps.

There are different levels of sleep studies:

A simple one - Recording oxygen and heart rate over night, which can be done at home.
Polysomnogram (PSG) - This is the highest-level study and the most accurate. It is conducted at the sleep lab in a hospital.

A polysomnogram involves adding electrodes to the head and body to monitor your child's brain waves, breathing, and movement while they sleep. Through a discreet camera, the technician will monitor as your child sleeps.

Treatments for sleep-related breathing disorders in Dubai

Treatment mostly depends on treating the cause.

Reducing weight in obese children is one treatment. Another would be to surgically remove the tonsils and adenoids when enlarged as this may resolve the obstructive sleep apnea.

For some obstructive and central sleep apnea, treatment with an overnight home ventilator becomes essential. CPAP and BiPAP ventilators deliver a steady stream of air. The air pressure helps keep airway open, preventing pauses in breathing.

Children on a home ventilator will need close monitoring and regular follow up by an experienced multidisciplinary team including doctor, respiratory nurse and respiratory physiotherapist.