As a parent, you’re always concerned with the well-being of your child. You wonder whether the necessary components are in place for him or her to be as well as can be? If not, what can be done to fix the problem? These are some of the questions that run through your mind, so it’s important that you know about a very subtle yet integral part of their health – the quality of rest they get each night. Thus, your dentist will weigh in on a growing problem impacting their nightly recovery – sleep apnea in Lawton. He’ll explain how this problem affects children, its symptoms and how to treat it.
What’s the Difference Between Sleep Apnea for Kids and Adults?
Whether it affects children or adults, sleep apnea is the frequent interruption of nightly rest cycle caused by partial obstructions of a person’s breathing. Thus, the same condition that affects adults leaves its imprint on children as well.
The differences, though, are in how the symptoms are displayed. Children can often be misdiagnosed as having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) due to the following traits:
- They may show signs of hyperactivity and an inability to focus.
- Their behavior may be disruptive.
- They may develop issues with effectively communicating.
- There may be a drop in academic performance.
Traits like these have led to the false diagnosis of up to 25 percent of the kids said to have ADHD.
Other Symptoms You May Notice at Home
Here are some other symptoms of sleep apnea to be on the lookout for at home:
- Snoring
- Breathing pauses during sleep
- Daytime sleepiness
- Bedwetting
How Can Sleep Apnea be Treated?
Thankfully, there are ways to treat this condition. But first, if you suspect your child is suffering from this problem, bring him or her in for a test. This way you won’t have to speculate and along with your dentist, will be able to develop an effective course of action.
Here are some of the treatment options available:
- CPAP Machine – The Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine consists of a mask that is connected to a machine with a long tube. Its job is to push air into the wind pipe while your child sleeps.
- Oral Appliance – For some children, the CPAP machine may be too cumbersome, so an alternative is an oral appliance that keeps the airway open by pushing the jaw forward while sleeping.
If your child starts displaying any problems highlighted above, be sure to reach out to your Lawton dentist to schedule a consultation and test. With the right care, your little one will soon be able to enjoy a better quality of life!
About the Author
Dr. David J. Drummond earned his dental degree from Northwestern University Dental School in Chicago. He would then go on to receive extensive training in various areas of dentistry, affording him the ability to offer a multitude of services. Dr. Drummond practices at Stop Snoring Lawton and can be reached for more information through his website.