Sleep apnea in teens is a serious condition that could have serious repercussions for your child's health and wellbeing. Left untreated, it could result in daytime sleepiness, inflammation, high blood pressure and heart disease.
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most prevalent form of sleep disordered breathing in children. This condition occurs when enlarged tonsils and adenoids block the airway during sleep, causing breathing to stop for brief intervals. Other tissues in the nose, throat and neck may also contribute to this disorder.
Teens are especially at risk for developing obstructive sleep apnea, but it can affect anyone. Therefore, it's important to address this problem early so your teenager has enough shut-eye to develop into a healthy and productive adult.
Treatment for sleep apnea in children involves lifestyle modifications, medication and oral appliances. Consult your pediatrician or The Air Station to determine the best course of action, such as getting a sleep study and sleep apnea treatment with a CPAP machine such as ResMed's AirMini or AirSense 10 Autoset.