“Is it possible for children to have sleep apnea?”
I think my 13 year old son may have sleep apnea. He says he doesn't sleep well and wakes up with a dry mouth. Is it possible for children to have sleep apnea?
7 Answers
Dr. Bin S. Sung
Pediatrician
Yes, children may have central of peripheral sleep apnea. Different type of sleep apnea should be deal with differently.
Yes children can have Sleep Apnea. It is especially common in overweight children or in children who have enlarged adenoids or tonsils. These kids do not feel rested even when they sleep all night and sometimes because they have nasal obstruction because of enlarged adenoids they breathe all night with their mouth open and hence feel that their mouth is dry.
Yes it is possible for children to have sleep apnea. He could have allergies, which could explain waking up with a dry mouth. He could have enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids, which could cause mouth breathing and disturbed sleep. If this problem is chronic, take him to his doctor for an exam, and possibly have him evaluated by an ENT surgeon and a sleep study center.=20
Good luck!
Good luck!
Yes children can have sleep apnea.
There are a number of causes and you should discuss this with your child's doctor
There are a number of causes and you should discuss this with your child's doctor
The short answer is yes. Should see a Sleep specialist for sleep study.
It is definitely possible to have sleep apnea at age 13. A formal evaluation with a sleep specialist or a sleep educated ENT physician would be the place to start. A study of overnight sleep is likely going to be needed. Snoring and the presence of large tonsils often are clues that sleep apnea is present
Does he snore or have periods of breath pauses? A lot of children with swollen adenoids and tonsils mouth breathe so they wake up with dry mouth. Try OTC nose spray like flonase and prop his head up at night. If this does not help, he may need to see an ENT or have a sleep study done.
