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PEDIATRIC SLEEP APNEA: DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
UNDERSTANDING PEDIATRIC SLEEP APNEA
As a parent, your child's health and well-being are your top priorities. At Knoxville Sleep Solutions, we understand the importance of a good night's sleep for your child's overall health. Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition where your child's breathing is partially or completely blocked repeatedly during sleep. This can lead to disrupted sleep and various health issues.
PEDIATRIC SLEEP APNEA: DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
UNDERSTANDING PEDIATRIC SLEEP APNEA
As a parent, your child's health and well-being are your top priorities. At Knoxville Sleep Solutions, we understand the importance of a good night's sleep for your child's overall health. Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition where your child's breathing is partially or completely blocked repeatedly during sleep. This can lead to disrupted sleep and various health issues.
SYMPTOMS AND SIDE EFFECTS OF
PEDIATRIC OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA
Recognizing the signs of pediatric sleep apnea is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. Here are the symptoms and side effects to watch for:
Loud snoring: Frequent and loud snoring is a common sign.
Pauses in breathing: Noticeable pauses in breathing during sleep.
Gasping or choking: Gasping for air or choking sounds while sleeping.
Restless sleep: Frequent tossing and turning.
Daytime sleepiness: Excessive sleepiness during the day despite adequate nighttime sleep.
Behavioral issues: Hyperactivity, irritability, aggressive behavior, or attention problems. Children may also exhibit poor impulse control and mood swings.
Difficulty waking up: Trouble waking up in the morning or prolonged morning grogginess.
Night sweats: Excessive sweating during sleep.
Bedwetting: Bedwetting in a child who previously stayed dry at night.
Mouth breathing: Persistent mouth breathing, especially during sleep.
Frequent infections: Recurring ear or throat infections.
Poor growth: Unexplained weight gain or failure to grow at a normal rate.
Learning difficulties: Trouble concentrating, poor school performance, and learning delays.
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE
Children with obstructive sleep apnea may also exhibit certain physical characteristics, including:
Enlarged tonsils and adenoids: Visible when the mouth is open.
Long face syndrome: A longer, more narrow face due to chronic mouth breathing.
Dark circles under the eyes: Also known as "allergic shiners," caused by poor sleep quality.
Flattened cheeks: Reduced muscle tone in the face.
Crowded teeth: Resulting from poor jaw development.
DIAGNOSING PEDIATRIC SLEEP APNEA
At Knoxville Sleep Solutions, we use a comprehensive approach to diagnose pediatric sleep apnea. Our evaluation process includes:
Medical History Review: We start with a detailed review of your child's medical history and sleep patterns.
Physical Examination: A thorough physical exam, focusing on the airway, tonsils, and adenoids.
Sleep Study (Polysomnography): An overnight sleep study to monitor your child's sleep, breathing patterns, and oxygen levels.
DIAGNOSING PEDIATRIC SLEEP APNEA
At Knoxville Sleep Solutions, we use a comprehensive approach to diagnose pediatric sleep apnea. Our evaluation process includes:
Medical History Review: We start with a detailed review of your child's medical history and sleep patterns.
Physical Examination: A thorough physical exam, focusing on the airway, tonsils, and adenoids.
Sleep Study (Polysomnography): An overnight sleep study to monitor your child's sleep, breathing patterns, and oxygen levels.
PEDIATRIC SLEEP APNEA
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Once diagnosed, several treatment options are available for pediatric sleep apnea. Our goal is to provide the most effective and least invasive treatments to ensure your child gets the restful sleep they need.
MYOBRACE TREATMENT
Myobrace is a preventive pre-orthodontic treatment that focuses on correcting oral habits that cause poor development and sleep apnea. This approach involves a series of removable intra-oral appliances worn for one to two hours each day and overnight while sleeping.
Corrects Oral Habits: Helps improve breathing, tongue posture, and swallowing patterns.
Non-invasive: A comfortable, removable appliance that does not require surgery.
VIVOS THERAPY
Vivos therapy uses oral appliances designed to expand the upper airway, improving breathing and reducing sleep apnea symptoms. This treatment is suitable for growing children and aims to promote proper development of the jaw and airway.
Custom-made Appliances: Tailored to fit your child's unique oral structure.
Holistic Approach: Focuses on overall health and development.
OTHER TREATMENT OPTIONS
Tonsil and Adenoid Removal: In cases where enlarged tonsils or adenoids are the primary cause, surgical removal may be recommended.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): A CPAP machine may be used to keep the airway open during sleep in more severe cases.
PEDIATRIC SLEEP APNEA
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Once diagnosed, several treatment options are available for pediatric sleep apnea. Our goal is to provide the most effective and least invasive treatments to ensure your child gets the restful sleep they need.
MYOBRACE TREATMENT
Myobrace is a preventive pre-orthodontic treatment that focuses on correcting oral habits that cause poor development and sleep apnea. This approach involves a series of removable intra-oral appliances worn for one to two hours each day and overnight while sleeping.
Corrects Oral Habits: Helps improve breathing, tongue posture, and swallowing patterns.
Non-invasive: A comfortable, removable appliance that does not require surgery.
VIVOS THERAPY
Vivos therapy uses oral appliances designed to expand the upper airway, improving breathing and reducing sleep apnea symptoms. This treatment is suitable for growing children and aims to promote proper development of the jaw and airway.
Custom-made Appliances: Tailored to fit your child's unique oral structure.
Holistic Approach: Focuses on overall health and development.
OTHER TREATMENT OPTIONS
Tonsil and Adenoid Removal: In cases where enlarged tonsils or adenoids are the primary cause, surgical removal may be recommended.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): A CPAP machine may be used to keep the airway open during sleep in more severe cases.
WHY CHOOSE KNOXVILLE SLEEP SOLUTIONS?
At Knoxville Sleep Solutions, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality care for your child's sleep health. Our team, led by Dr. Terri Cribbs, is trained in the latest treatments, including Vivos and Myobrace, to ensure your child receives the best possible care.
If you suspect your child may have sleep apnea, don't wait. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for your child's health and development. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards better sleep for your child.
Knoxville Sleep Solutions
Dr. Terrie Cribbs
1547 Downtown West Blvd.
Knoxville, TN 37919
(865) 247-5570