Can Children Have Sleep Apnea? Understanding Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Near Nashua
Are you losing sleep over your child’s loud snoring or restless sleep patterns? If your child stops breathing during sleep or shows signs of trouble breathing at night, they may be suffering from pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—a condition that affects up to four percent of children and is often mistaken for ADHD. At the Center for Dental Sleep Health, Dr. Stephen Ura provides comprehensive sleep apnea treatment for children in Nashua, NH, and surrounding communities.
Call (603) 886-4300 to schedule your child’s sleep apnea consultation with Nashua’s trusted sleep dentist near you. We serve families in Hudson, Merrimack, Milford, and surrounding areas in New Hampshire, offering comprehensive solutions for sleep disorders.
The Hidden Connection: Sleep Apnea in Children vs. ADHD Symptoms
Recent research reveals that obstructive sleep apnea in children has been linked with behavioral and neurocognitive problems, impaired growth, cardiovascular morbidity, and metabolic consequences. Diagnosing children at a young age can potentially prevent significant morbidity. Shockingly, nearly 25 percent of children diagnosed with ADHD may actually be suffering from untreated sleep apnea.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters for Nashua Area Families
When your child’s breathing is disrupted during sleep, it doesn’t just affect their rest—it impacts their entire development. Obstructive sleep apnea in children can manifest as:
- Behavioral problems that mimic ADHD symptoms
- Daytime sleepiness affects school performance
- Poor growth and developmental delays
- Learning difficulties and concentration issues
- High blood pressure and cardiovascular risks
Recognizing Pediatric Sleep Apnea: Signs Every Parent Should Know
Unlike adult sleep disorders, pediatric obstructive sleep apnea presents unique challenges. The most common cause in younger children is enlarged tonsils and adenoids, but mouth breathing, noisy breathing, and breathing patterns during sleep are key indicators parents should watch for:
Primary Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea in Children:
- Loud snoring or gasping sounds during sleep
- A child stops breathing for brief periods during sleep
- Restless sleep with frequent position changes
- Mouth breathing instead of nasal breathing
- Bedwetting or night sweats beyond the typical age
- Morning headaches or difficulty waking up
Daytime Behavioral Indicators of Childhood Sleep Apnea:
- Hyperactivity or attention problems
- Daytime sleepiness and fatigue
- Behavioral problems at home or school
- Academic performance decline
- Mood swings and irritability
Risk Factors for Pediatric Sleep Apnea in New Hampshire Children
Understanding risk factors helps identify which children need evaluation by a sleep specialist near you. Common risk factors include:
Medical Risk Factors:
- Enlarged tonsils and adenoids
- Family history of sleep disorders
- Low birth weight or premature birth
- Neuromuscular disorders like cerebral palsy
- Sickle cell disease and related conditions
- Craniofacial abnormalities or birth defects
- Obesity or difficulty maintaining a healthy weight
Environmental Factors:
- Exposure to secondhand smoke
- Seasonal allergies affect the nasal passages
- Chronic respiratory infections
- Upper airway inflammation
The Long-Term Impact of Untreated Pediatric Sleep Apnea
Untreated sleep apnea in children can lead to serious consequences affecting your child’s future:
Health Complications:
- Cardiovascular problems and high blood pressure
- Metabolic disorders increase diabetes risk
- Weight loss difficulties and obesity
- Growth hormone disruption affecting the child’s growth
- Weakened immune system
Academic and Social Impact:
- Learning difficulties and academic underachievement
- Behavioral problems affecting relationships
- Reduced quality of life for the entire family
- Long-term health conditions extending into adulthood
Advanced Diagnosis: More Than Just a Sleep Study
At our Nashua sleep center, Dr. Ura works with leading pediatric sleep medicine specialists to provide comprehensive evaluation beyond traditional overnight sleep study methods.
Our diagnostic approach includes:
- Complete medical history and physical examination
- Assessment of your child’s sleep pattern and breathing patterns
- Evaluation of muscle tone and the child’s airway structure
- Collaboration with the child’s healthcare provider and pediatric specialists
- Sleep study when indicated by our sleep medicine professional
Cutting-Edge Treatment Options for Children in Nashua
The FDA has recently cleared new oral appliances to treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea and snoring in children, expanding treatment options beyond traditional approaches. Our practice wants our patients to understand the latest treatment options tailored to their child’s condition:
- Surgical treatments include tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for enlarged tonsils and adenoids, partial tonsillectomy for specific cases, and nasal passage surgery when indicated.
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a therapy that includes positive airway pressure (CPAP) and bilevel positive airway pressure for complex cases. Pediatric-specific CPAP equipment is also available.
- Oral appliance therapy involves FDA-approved mandibular advancement devices. These are custom-fitted oral appliances for mild to moderate cases. Tongue-retaining devices are also used when appropriate.
Why Choose Dr. Ura for Your Child’s Sleep Apnea Treatment Near Nashua?
As a specialized sleep dentist in Nashua, Dr. Ura combines experience in sleep medicine with personalized care for children diagnosed with sleep disorders. Our approach focuses on:
- Child-friendly treatment environments
- Collaboration with ear, nose, and throat specialists
- Pediatric sleep medicine knowledge
- Custom oral appliances designed for growing children
- Ongoing monitoring of your child’s growth and development
Frequently Asked Questions
Can sleep apnea in children be cured?
In some cases, pediatric sleep apnea resolves itself as the child grows and their airways develop. However, in many instances, treatment is necessary to alleviate symptoms and prevent long-term complications. Early intervention and appropriate treatment can significantly improve a child’s quality of life and overall health.
How can parents help prevent sleep apnea in children?
While some risk factors are beyond control, parents can take proactive steps to reduce their child’s risk of developing sleep apnea. These include maintaining a healthy weight, promoting good sleep hygiene, addressing allergies or respiratory issues, and seeking prompt medical attention for snoring or breathing difficulties during sleep.
How do I know if my child needs a sleep study in Nashua?
If your child shows signs like loud snoring, trouble breathing during sleep, or behavioral problems that might indicate sleep apnea, contact our Nashua office. Dr. Ura will evaluate your child’s symptoms and coordinate with sleep medicine professionals when a sleep study is recommended.
How long does treatment take for children with sleep apnea near me?
Treatment timelines vary based on your child’s condition and chosen treatment options. Some children see improvement quickly with oral appliances, while others may need surgical intervention followed by monitoring. Dr. Ura will discuss realistic timelines during your consultation.
Take Action Today: Get Your Child the Sleep Apnea Care in Nashua, NH!
Don’t let sleep disorders rob your child of healthy development and academic success. If you suspect your child may have pediatric sleep apnea, prompt evaluation by experienced professionals near you can make a life-changing difference.
Ready to help your child breathe easier and sleep better? Contact Nashua’s trusted sleep dentist today at (603) 886-4300. We proudly serve families in Nashua, Hudson, Merrimack, Milford, and surrounding New Hampshire communities.