Pediatric Snoring/Sleep Apnea
Pediatric Snoring/Sleep Apnea Services
At Spokane ENT, we provide specialized evaluation and management of pediatric snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children, conditions that can significantly impact a child's growth, development, behavior, and academic performance. Pediatric sleep-disordered breathing differs from adult sleep apnea, with the most common cause being enlarged tonsils and adenoids. Our team has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating sleep-related breathing disorders in children, working closely with families to ensure optimal outcomes.
Our evaluation process includes a detailed history from parents regarding symptoms such as loud snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing, restless sleep, bedwetting, daytime sleepiness, behavioral issues, and poor school performance. We perform comprehensive physical examination focusing on the upper airway, including assessment of tonsil size, nasal obstruction, and facial structure. We may utilize flexible nasopharyngoscopy to visualize the adenoids and assess the upper airway. When indicated, we work with pediatric sleep medicine specialists who may recommend polysomnography (sleep studies) to confirm the diagnosis and assess severity. Please note that Spokane ENT does not prescribe CPAP devices or perform polysomnography (PSG) studies. These services are provided by pediatric sleep medicine specialists, and we collaborate closely with them to coordinate comprehensive care.
Our treatment approach for pediatric snoring and sleep apnea is tailored to each child's specific anatomy, severity of symptoms, and age. The most common treatment for pediatric OSA is adenotonsillectomy (removal of tonsils and adenoids), which is highly effective in resolving sleep-disordered breathing in most children. We also offer other surgical options when indicated, including nasal surgery, turbinate reduction, and procedures to address other upper airway obstructions. For children who are not surgical candidates or have residual symptoms after surgery, we work closely with pediatric sleep medicine specialists to coordinate CPAP therapy or other medical management. Our goal is to provide effective treatment that improves sleep quality, supports healthy growth and development, and enhances overall quality of life for children and their families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common causes include enlarged tonsils and adenoids, obesity, or craniofacial differences. Obstructive sleep apnea can affect sleep quality, behavior, and development.
Diagnosis may involve a sleep study (polysomnography) or clinical evaluation. Your ENT will assess the airway, tonsils, and adenoids as part of the workup.
Surgery may be recommended when enlarged tonsils and adenoids cause obstructive sleep apnea that doesn't improve with other treatments. It often improves breathing and sleep.
Untreated sleep apnea can affect growth, behavior, school performance, and cardiovascular health. Treatment can improve sleep, energy, and development.
See an ENT if your child snores loudly, gasps or pauses during sleep, sleeps restlessly, or has daytime sleepiness or behavioral issues. Evaluation can determine if treatment is needed.