Antrochoanal polyp presenting as obstructive sleep apnea

Ilamaran Veerappan1, Rathisharmila Ramar, Nagendran Navaneethan

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Melmaruvathur Adhiparasakthi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Tamil Nadu, 603319, India, dr_ilamaran@yahoo.co.in.

Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|September 18, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Antrochoanal polyps (ACPS) are rare in children but can cause obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Diagnosing OSA in young children requires a high suspicion due to nonspecific symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Antrochoanal polyps (ACPS) are typically diagnosed in children presenting with unilateral nasal obstruction.
  • Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) diagnosis often relies on recognizing nonspecific or misleading symptoms.

Observation:

  • This case highlights an uncommon initial presentation of ACPS in a young child.
  • The child presented with symptoms suggestive of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Findings:

  • Antrochoanal polyps (ACPS) can manifest as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in pediatric patients.
  • A high index of suspicion is crucial for diagnosing OSA in young children.

Implications:

  • Early diagnosis and management of ACPS presenting as OSA can prevent long-term health issues.
  • This presentation underscores the need for comprehensive evaluation in pediatric patients with suspected sleep-disordered breathing.

Related Concept Videos

Sleep Apnea01:21

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops intermittently during sleep, often leading to significant health issues. Each episode can last from 10 to 20 seconds or more and is frequently accompanied by a brief arousal from sleep. This disturbance, largely unnoticed by the individual, can lead to severe daytime fatigue. Commonly, individuals seek help after being informed by their partners about loud snoring and noticeable breathing pauses during sleep.
The condition is more prevalent among...
Other Pulmonary Disorders01:17

Other Pulmonary Disorders

Respiratory disorders encompass a range of conditions with varying levels of severity. Asthma, marked by chronic airway inflammation and hypersensitivity, is one such condition. It can lead to airway obstruction due to factors like bronchial spasms, mucosal edema, increased mucus secretion, or epithelial damage. Asthma triggers are diverse, ranging from allergens to emotional upset, and treatment focuses on both immediate relief through bronchodilators and long-term inflammation suppression.
Sleep-Wake Cycles01:24

Sleep-Wake Cycles

Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and  rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
Tonsillitis I: Introduction01:30

Tonsillitis I: Introduction

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, which are two lymphoid tissue masses at the back of the throat. This condition can cause discomfort and irritation in the throat.
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
Esophageal Achalasia01:27

Esophageal Achalasia

Esophageal achalasia is a chronic neurogenic disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and absent or ineffective peristalsis in the distal esophagus. This leads to a functional obstruction without a physical blockage, despite significant disruption of esophageal motility.EtiologyAchalasia is caused by degeneration of the myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus, specifically the loss of inhibitory ganglion cells that produce vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)...
Pyloric Obstruction01:11

Pyloric Obstruction

Pyloric obstruction, also referred to as gastric outlet obstruction, is a condition characterized by narrowing or blockage at the pylorus—the muscular valve regulating the flow of stomach contents into the duodenum. When this passage becomes impaired, the stomach cannot effectively empty its contents into the small intestine. This disruption leads to a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including early satiety, bloating, epigastric pain, postprandial nausea, persistent vomiting, and...