Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Published on: December 6, 2016
[Syndrome of obstructive sleep apnea in children]
P Attal1, S Bobin, C Lepajolec
1Service ORL, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Kremlin-Bicetre.
Insights
Pediatric sleep apnea syndrome (SAS), often caused by enlarged tonsils, is increasingly recognized. Diagnosis relies on symptoms like snoring and pauses in breathing, with surgery as the primary treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Sleep Medicine
- Otolaryngology
Context:
- Sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) in children is a recently identified condition with a seemingly rising incidence.
- It is typically caused by upper airway obstruction, frequently due to enlarged tonsils and adenoids.
Purpose:
- To review the current understanding of pediatric sleep apnea syndrome (SAS).
- To highlight diagnostic approaches and treatment strategies for childhood SAS.
Summary:
- Diagnosis of SAS in children is primarily clinical, based on parental reporting of symptoms such as snoring, difficult breathing, and respiratory pauses during sleep.
- Enlarged adenoids and tonsils are the main etiological factor.
- Chronic snoring without apneas is also considered a form of SAS.
Impact:
- Potential complications include cardiovascular issues, altered weight and statural growth, psychomotor development, and facial structure.
- Surgical removal of adenoids and tonsils is the principal treatment for pediatric SAS.
Abstract:
Sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) in children has been identified only recently. Its incidence is unknown but seems to be rising. The cause is usually an obstruction (enlarged tonsils) that alters the fragile physiologic mechanisms responsible for maintaining the upper airways open when the child is sleeping. Diagnosis of SAS rests on clinical findings. The parents should be questioned as to the frequency over time of the various symptoms, of which most occur during the night: snoring, difficult breathing, respiratory pauses. Sleep polygraphy studies are indicated only in specific situations. The main cause is enlargement of the adenoids and tonsils. Cardiovascular complications may develop; weight gain and statural growth, psychomotor development and development of the face may be altered. Chronic snoring without apneas should be considered as a form of SAS. Treatment rests mainly on surgery (removal of the adenoids and tonsils).
More Related Videos
05:34Auricular Acupuncture as a Traditional Chinese Medicine Therapy for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Combined with Sleep Disorders
Published on: August 18, 2023
04:53Acupoint Application Combined with Ear Plaster Therapy for Treating Sleep Disorders with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: October 18, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Breathing
Other Pulmonary Disorders
Tonsillitis I: Introduction
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
Sleep Apnea
The condition is more prevalent among...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and...