[New Swedish National care process for pediatric obstructive sleep disordered breathing]

Obstructive sleep disordered breathing (OSDB) is a spectrum from habitual snoring and labored breathing to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is common and potentially serious in children. The process contains a new question at child care centers, directed at caretakers with children at age 18 months and 3 years, concerning habitual snoring (3 times a week or more). A primary care doctor verifies the suspicion of OSDB in case of a positive answer to one of 7 additional questions or 4 status findings (e.g. tonsil hypertrophy). The process starts with the suspicion of OSDB, from the age of 18 months to 18 years, and ends when symptoms are improved after watchful waiting or upper airway surgery. National equality is a goal, with increased access to nocturnal respiratory recordings of children with comorbidities or doubtful cases. Also, with short waiting time to first visit at ORL department, and to surgery. Children with comorbidities or severe symptoms get postoperative follow-ups with a nurse after 6 months. The new ICD code for OSDB is R06.8A.