{"id":567,"date":"2023-08-18T15:55:31","date_gmt":"2023-08-18T15:55:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.weatherfordsleep.com\/blog\/?p=567"},"modified":"2023-09-28T15:58:15","modified_gmt":"2023-09-28T15:58:15","slug":"can-children-have-sleep-apnea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.weatherfordsleep.com\/blog\/2023\/08\/18\/can-children-have-sleep-apnea\/","title":{"rendered":"Do You Have to Worry About Your Child Developing Sleep Apnea?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Sleep apnea<\/a> is a common sleep disorder that leaves many people unable to get the quality slumber that they need. There are plenty of examples of adults suffering from this condition \u2013 but what about children? Are they at risk for sleep apnea as well? As a parent, you need to make sure that you\u2019re well-informed when it comes to potential threats to your little one\u2019s health; here are the basics when it comes to children and sleep-disordered breathing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Can Children Have Sleep Apnea?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes, they can. It\u2019s estimated that roughly 1 to 5 percent of children have obstructive sleep apnea, which is the name for sleep apnea caused by a blocked airway. Furthermore, in rare cases, a child might have a genetic disorder that could lead to central sleep apnea, meaning that the part of the brain that controls breathing may not function properly while they\u2019re asleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some children have a higher chance of developing sleep apnea than others. In particular, those with enlarged tonsils or adenoids may be more likely to have their airways blocked. Other risk factors include being overweight, having a family history of sleep apnea, and suffering from certain medical conditions like cerebral palsy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Will You Know If Your Child Has Sleep Apnea?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sadly, sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed in people of all ages. As such, it pays to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of pediatric sleep apnea so that you can recognize when your child might need help from a professional. Here are some of the warning signs of sleep apnea in children:<\/p>\n\n\n\n