“How do you know if your child is not breathing normally during the night?”

Adolescents breathe 20-30 breaths per minute. Long pauses or gasping may suggest a disorder.

It is almost impossible to do this by simple observation. First step is to wonder if the child is at risk for abnormal breathing. Primary findings would be large tonsils, structural defects of palate or nose or allergies. Symptoms might include difficulty at school or snoring or difficulty focusing. Young children are rarely sleepy from apnea. If there is a question see your pediatrician. A sleep study could be required to answer the question with confidence.