Infant Sleep Apnea: Symptoms And Treatment

When babies have sleep apnea it is a medical problem that requires medical attention. A serious breathing disorder could be hiding behind this.

The sleep apnea in infants can cause some parents worried. First of all, it’s important to understand that this problem involves more than just snoring, and that it often starts right after birth. In addition, the breathing disorder that we will discuss below mainly occurs during periods of rest.

Obstructive sleep apnea in infancy occurs when the baby stops breathing for a moment. This interruption can occur partially, with remaining air passage remaining, or completely, with no oxygen exchange taking place as long as the interruption continues.

This is the reason for the severity of this condition. As a result, sleep apnea in infancy should be medically clarified as soon as possible and treated accordingly by a doctor. This is because many body functions, including those of the brain, are disturbed when the gases that are necessary for the functioning of the metabolism do not flow in and out.

Read on below to learn more about this condition and its possible treatments.

The causes of obstructive sleep apnea in infants

In young children, the origin of this problem lies in the anatomy of their upper airways. A child’s airways are smaller than an adult’s, and their limited diameter can collapse due to the flexibility of the windpipe.

In addition, some babies have a narrower upper airway than others, either due to their own anatomy or due to recurring infections. Likewise, a small windpipe with limited cartilage tissue cannot be compared with a windpipe with enlarged tonsils.

One of the most common causes of this condition is tonsil hyperplasia. This defensive lymphoid tissue can enlarge and, as a result, prevent the proper entry of air into the body, especially when lying down.

The shape of the lower jaw is also a risk factor. The shape of the air access differs in children with smaller facial bones and makes it harder for air to move around in it.

Obese babies have a double complication factor. For one thing, the fat that accumulates in the neck puts pressure on the windpipe. Second, their tongue grows and falls back when they sleep.

In addition, children with cerebral palsy are a special case. This is because one of the characteristics of this disease is loose muscle tone, which promotes airway obstruction in the affected children.

Noticeable symptoms of the disease

The signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea in babies affect the airways. Snoring is the main symptom; Affected infants snore excessively and often as loudly as an adult.

Snoring, in turn, is usually accompanied by a break in breathing and rhythm. Apnea occurs when there is neither inhalation nor exhalation and the lung mechanics temporarily stop.

The parents or caregivers often recognize this phenomenon, but it can still go unnoticed. But that doesn’t mean you have to keep checking to see if your child is breathing when they are sleeping. It does mean, however, that you should pay attention from time to time, especially with regard to the noises your baby is making.

Babies with obstructive sleep apnea are more likely to breathe through their mouth than through their nose, as this mechanism makes it easier for a larger volume of air to enter. However, this in turn dries out the lining of the mouth and nose, increasing the child’s thirst and awakening at night.

Long-term effects of obstructive sleep apnea in infants

What are the consequences of poor sleep and poor oxygen intake during sleep?

Infants with this condition tend to be hyperactive during the day, which results in higher calorie consumption. This, in turn, can delay proper weight gain if insufficient supplementation is provided to the diet.

An infant with obstructive sleep apnea is also at risk of premature changes in milk teeth. According to an article published in the journal Revista de la Asociacion Mexicana, bruxism, or teeth grinding, is more common in children with sleep problems.

For those who suffered from apnea as infants, the longer-term consequences last into puberty and adulthood. You are at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. However, this is most common in overweight children.

Possible treatments

There are many treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea in infants. However, the treating medical teams do not always agree which type of treatment should be used. The strategies available include the following:

• Nasal corticosteroids or topical medication for nasal congestion. They work for rhinitis and should always be prescribed by a doctor.
• In children diagnosed with tonsil hyperplasia, adenoid surgery or adenoidectomy is the best option.
• Hygiene and nutritional measures can help improve mild cases. It is therefore urgently recommended to adapt the habits of the little ones accordingly. For example, adjust your child’s lying position, their sleep schedule, the distribution of meals and the intervals between bedtime.
• CPAP therapies are reserved for severe cases that do not improve even with previous alternative treatments. This is a form of ventilation in which positive air pressure is absorbed through the airways through a mask in order to force the appropriate amount of oxygen into the lungs. Usually, however, this is the last resource.

Is obstructive sleep apnea a cause for concern in infants?

You shouldn’t worry too much if your baby receives this diagnosis, but you should still start treatment right away. An infant’s developmental phase is important as it forms the basis for the rest of their life.

Early treatment can avoid serious problems in the future. Your pediatrician should be able to advise you on the best treatment options and what you can do on a daily basis to improve the situation for your child.