Related Experiment Videos

Upper airway resistance syndrome in children: a clinical review

C Guilleminault1, A Khramtsov

  • 1Stanford University Sleep Disorders Clinic, CA 94305-5547, USA.

Seminars in Pediatric Neurology
|January 5, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Upper airway resistant syndrome (UARS) is more prevalent in children than obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Diagnosis may require esophageal pressure monitoring, and craniofacial anomalies suggest orthodontic intervention for airway expansion.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Respiratory Physiology
  • Craniofacial Orthodontics

Background:

  • Upper airway resistant syndrome (UARS) is more common in children than obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).
  • Symptoms of UARS vary with age and family history of sleep-disordered breathing.
  • Enlarged tonsils and adenoids may coexist with mild craniofacial skeletal anomalies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the prevalence and diagnostic challenges of UARS in children.
  • To emphasize the role of craniofacial structure in pediatric sleep-disordered breathing.
  • To advocate for early orthodontic assessment in affected children.

Main Methods:

  • Polygraphic recording with nasal cannula/pressure transducer to detect flow limitation.
  • Esophageal pressure monitoring for definitive diagnosis when other methods are inconclusive.
  • Maxillomandibular examination for craniofacial skeletal assessment.

Main Results:

  • UARS presents differently in children compared to adults.
  • Abnormal breathing may manifest as tachypnea without oxygen desaturation.
  • Flow limitation during sleep is a key indicator, often confirmed by esophageal manometry.
  • Craniofacial anomalies are frequently observed in children with UARS.

Conclusions:

  • UARS is a significant pediatric sleep disorder requiring specific diagnostic approaches.
  • Esophageal pressure monitoring is crucial for confirming UARS.
  • Orthodontic evaluation and treatment, including oral cavity expansion, are recommended for children with sleep-disordered breathing and craniofacial anomalies.

Related Concept Videos

Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations01:13

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation01:19

Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation

Besides the pressure difference between the external environment and the lungs, the airflow rate and ease of pulmonary ventilation are also influenced by three other factors: surface tension of the fluid in the alveoli, compliance of the lungs, and airway resistance.
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...