Is Your Child's Snoring Affecting Their Growth? The Facts About Sleep Apnea in Children

Sleep apnea is not just for adults, but also for children. If your child is restless, mischievous, hyperactive and inattentive during the day, and snores loudly during sleep, it may be a warning sign of sleep apnea. ENT specialists explain that snoring occurs when the upper airway is obstructed during sleep and the body's natural reaction is to breathe through the mouth, resulting in snoring. There are three main causes of snoring in children: nasal allergies (which are very common in Hong Kong, affecting about 40% of children), obstruction of the airway due to enlarged tonsils and adenoids, and obesity, either alone or in combination.

Growth Hormone Effects

Sleep is particularly important for children, as growth hormone is mainly secreted during the slow-wave phase of sleep during childhood. If the obstruction of the airway interferes with the child's normal sleep cycle, it can also inhibit normal growth and development. As a result, some children with sleep apnea may experience stunted growth and be thinner than their peers.

Addressing Sleep Apnea for Learning, IQ, and Emotional Development

Sleep apnea can have a significant impact on their learning, IQ, and emotional development. When your child's breathing is interrupted during sleep, their brain doesn't get enough oxygen, leaving them feeling fatigued and unable to recharge their energy. This can lead to poor performance during the day, making it difficult for them to concentrate, stay focused, and even interact with others. Over time, sleep apnea can have long-term effects on your child's academic performance and emotional well-being, potentially hindering their intellectual and emotional development.

Affecting Physical Function and Facial Development

In addition, asphyxiation may lead to lack of oxygen to the brain and impairment of intelligence, and in severe cases, cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, which can affect heart function. If children breathe through their mouths for long periods of time, it can affect the development of the face and elongate it. In some children, the face and jawbone may become flat, the upper row of teeth may post forward and the lower jawbone may elongate.

Addressing the Root Cause of the Problem

For children with nasal allergies, allergen testing can help pinpoint the source of the allergy and avoid future exposure. Combined with the use of oral and nasal allergy medication, upper airway obstruction can typically be improved within three months. If the problem is due to enlarged tonsils and adenoids, surgery may be necessary to cure the issue. Otherwise, if a child has a cold or tonsillitis at the same time, choking can easily occur. For children with sleep apnea caused by obesity, weight loss is necessary to improve symptoms.

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