Sleep Apnea in Children

Sleep Apnea Treatment in Children

Adenotonsillectomy (surgical removal of the adenoids and tonsils) is the most commonly applied technique for treating sleep apnea in children, and provides high success rates in appropriately selected patients.

What Are the Symptoms in Children?

• Loud snoring during sleep
• Breathing pauses noticed by parents
• Restless sleep, frequent waking
• Mouth breathing during the day
• Daytime restlessness and attention difficulties
• Decline in school performance
• Growth and development delays

Diagnostic Challenges in Children

Performing a formal polysomnography (sleep study) can be more difficult in young children. In many cases, video recordings taken by parents at home of the child's breathing pattern during sleep provide valuable diagnostic information alongside the clinical ENT examination.

Why Does Snoring Persist After Surgery?

If snoring continues after adenotonsillectomy, the most common cause is allergy. The second most common cause relates to structural problems around the epiglottis. Both should be evaluated in a follow-up examination.

A Safe Surgical Approach

Pediatric ENT surgery requires particular care and experience given the smaller anatomy and the need for careful anesthesia management. We tailor the surgical approach individually to each child's anatomy and clinical picture.