Apnea in Children

 OSA has been linked to some cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), although the exact relationship is still uncertain. Ongoing research is evaluating the role of OSA as a possible factor in SIDS.

OSAS may be present in children who are overweight and those who have enlarged tonsils and adenoids.

Children with OSAS may:
  • Snore or "squeak" during sleep.
  • Appear to have difficulty breathing during sleep - sleep fitfully.
  • Have daytime hyperactivity (sleepy children often become fussy and overactive rather than appearing to be sleepy).

Older children who have OSA may seem sluggish and may perform poorly in school. Sometimes they are labeled "slow" or "lazy". Other times,they are labeled as having Attention-Deficit Disorder or Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD and ADHD). It is estimated that up to 25% of children with ADD or ADHD may have OSAS.

Since it is not normal for a child to snore loudly every night, parents should report their child's snoring to a healthcare professional.