[Syndrome of obstructive sleep apnea in children]

P Attal1, S Bobin, C Lepajolec

  • 1Service ORL, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Kremlin-Bicetre.

Annales De Pediatrie
|October 1, 1992
PubMed

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.

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