A new study published in the Journal SLEEP showed that there is an association between preterm births and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) especially children born preterm are more likely to be diagnosed with sleep apnea than those born at a term of 37 weeks. Nearly 400,000 children between ages 2.5 to 6 years old in Australia were involved in the study and babies born at less than 32 weeks were more likely to have the diagnosis of sleep apnea at 2.7% than babies born at term at 1%. The diagnosis of sleep-disordered breathing is more prevalent in children born preterm but
not those who are small size for their age. Although the underlying association between preterm birth and childhood OSA is not well understood, environmental and birth-related factors such as childhood metabolic disease resulting from anatomical structural changes may also cause childhood OSA. More importantly, babies born preterm should be screened for the risk of sleep apnea when they grow up as children.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of sleep apnea such as snoring, daytime sleepiness, irritability, and low energy, it is important to consult a doctor to confirm the diagnosis early and
the underlying issue of the cause of sleep apnea. Depending on your financial situation and sleep apnea condition, the doctor will work through with you the type of sleep apnea test in the comfort of your home or an in-lab sleep test to determine the precise nature of your condition to avoid any long-term issues. Besides most insurance companies now pay for sleep testing and CPAP OSA treatment, early intervention with a sleep apnea device can stop snoring or one can a sleep apnea CPAP trial from the equipment supplier or distributor that distributes a range of sleep apnea machines and CPAP supplies for a better quality of sleep and healthier overall well-being.
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